Manila, Philippines, Feb 22, 2010 / 20:03 pm
A Catholic bishop from the Philippines recently urged the local military and an Islamic separatist group, who are engaged in conflict, to spare civilian lives.
According to the Filipino Bishops Conference (CBCP), Bishop Angelito Lampon of Jolo warned that the latest escalations in the southern region of Mindanao threaten innocent lives which have been made especially vulnerable during the recent bouts of fighting.
The bishop voiced his concern after the military killed six members of the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf on Sunday, including the group's leader, Albader Parad.
Parad was charged with orchestrating the abduction of three Red Cross members in Jan. of 2009 as well as ABS-CBN media crew members in June of 2008.