IRISH PRIEST Fr Michael Sinnott was yesterday released in the Philippines after being held hostage for 32 days.
The 79-year-old Columban missionary, who had major heart surgery four years ago, was taken to a clinic to assess his medical condition. He was described as being “as well as can be expected in the circumstances”. Fr Sinnott is expected to be brought to Manila today.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin last night expressed his delight at the release and said no ransom had been paid. “It has been a tough 32 days for everybody concerned but particularly so for those who were waiting anxiously at the end of the phone for news of their loved one,” he said.
Fr Sinnott was handed over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the Philippine authorities. The Philippine government had blamed the kidnapping on rogue elements of the rebel group. The Wexford priest was snatched on October 11th by six gunmen who barged into the Columban House in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province, 890km south of Manila.
Fears had risen that the missionary was in poor condition due to dysentery, malnutrition and the absence of the medicine he needs following his heart bypass four years ago. On October 31st his kidnappers released a video and demanded a $2 million (€1.35 million) ransom.
“As in previous kidnaps no ransom was paid by the Irish Government. To do so would only have jeopardised the vital work of aid workers and missionaries around the world,” Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin thanked the Philippine government, the EU, the US government and the International Red Cross for securing the release.
President Mary McAleese expressed her delight at the release. “He is clearly a man of great resilience, strength and courage and we wish him well as he seeks to recover from such a trying ordeal,” she said
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he was “relieved and thankful” that Fr Sinnott’s ordeal was over. “I want to extend my best wishes to him on his safe release,” he said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Government, I want to commend the government of the Philippines and our Ambassador Richard O’Brien, and our officials, who have all worked with great commitment and resolve to bring about Fr Michael’s release.”
