No claims for Fr. Sinnot’s abduction

(Oct.20,2009): In the Philippines, there have been no contacts with the kidnappers of Fr Michael Sinnott, an Irish missionary abducted on 10 October in Pagadian (Mindanao) by a six armed men. He was seen the following day in Lanao del Norte, but since then, police and the Church have continued their search operations and mediation efforts. In the meantime, Christians and Muslims are praying for the missionary’s health and prompt release. On Sunday, parents and members of the Hangop Kabataan Foundation, a charity for disabled children founded by Fr Sinnott in 1998, held a prayer march in the city. They invited Christians, Muslims and animists to pray for the rescue of the missionary, who has been involved for many years in inter-faith dialogue. Earlier at prayers on Friday, the local Muslim community also condemned the abduction of the Irish priest. The local government on Monday handed out thousands of leaflets, appealing to the kidnappers that medicines be delivered to Father Sinnott, who has a serious heart ailment”. According to police and the military, the Fr.Sinnot is held by Latip Jamat, a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). However, reports are confusing. The MILF in fact, continues to deny any involvement in the abduction.