Kidnapped Irish priest freed in Philippines

(November 13, 2009) An Irish missionary priest freed on Thursday after a month in captivity in the southern Philippines said he was unharmed and treated well by his captors, and that he was not aware if any ransom was paid. Fr. Michael Sinnott, a 78-year-old Columban missionary who was snatched from the garden of a church on Oct 11, was handed over to government officials at a coastal village near Zamboanga City on the southern island of Mindanao shortly before dawn. Government officials have said he was kidnapped by armed men owing allegiance to a local Muslim rebel commander. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $2 million. Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said that no ransom was paid. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, had been helping in efforts to secure the release of the priest. Father Sinnott thanked every one for their prayers while he was in captivity. He said he would like to continue working in Pagadian Diocese where he has served most of the 42 years he has spent in the Philippines.