Artist's commentary
" Members of the armed fanatical Ilaga Christian militiamen gather in their village in Aleosan, in southern Philippine island of Mindanao on September 15, 2008. After laying dormant for more than 30 years the Ilaga or locally known as "God's soldiers" have risen again to defend Christian communities as Muslim separatist rebels spread fear and terror in the southern Philippines killing more than 50 civilians, burning and looting homes and farms. Aside from their weapons the Ilaga believed they are protected during battle by their amulets, a vest with biblical passages in Latin, a scapular bearing the image of Jesus Christ and a tiny bottle of potion. The Ilaga claims to provide vital defense against Muslim rebels who have cut a swathe of death and destruction across many parts of Mindanao."

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