OFWs' conversion to Islam brings benefits - report

MANILA, Philippines - Conversion from Christianity to Islam is most typical among overseas Filipinos who have lived and worked in Islamic countries, largely because conversion brings social and economic benefits while abroad, according to the US Department of State 2009 Report on International Religious Freedom.

“Many of these ‘converts of convenience’ remain Muslim upon their return to the country and are known collectively as ‘Balik Islam’ (return to Islam),” the report said.

Although the Philippine government generally respects religious freedom and there are no reports of religious detainees or prisoners in the country, the report said there is some ethnic, religious and cultural discrimination against members of the Muslim minority by members of the Christian majority.

“This, combined with economic disparities, contributed to persistent conflict in certain provinces in the southern Philippines,” it said.

The report pointed out that the Constitution provides for freedom of religion, that other laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of religion, and that the government does not ban or discourage specific religious groups or religious factions.

However, it said Muslims, who are concentrated in some of the most impoverished provinces, complained that the government has not made sufficient efforts to promote their economic development.

Some Muslim religious leaders asserted that Muslims suffered from economic discrimination, it added.