'No effort spared' to free abducted priest

Published on Saturday 31 October 2009 18:46

THE Irish government yesterday insisted no effort would be spared to free an elderly priest kidnapped in the Philippines after his abductors demanded a £1.2 million ransom.

A video recording showing 79-year-old Father Michael Sinnott, who has a heart condition, appealing for the ransom to be paid, has been released by his captors.

Footage obtained by negotiators shows the priest holding up a copy of a newspaper, dated 22 October.

In a weak voice, he appeals to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Irish government, his religious order the Missionary Society of St Columban and friends "who may have pity... to help so that I can get out of here as soon as possible".

The video was taken in a wooded area outdoors.

No other person was shown but someone's hand could be seen helping him hold up the newspaper.

Ireland's foreign affairs minister Michel Martin said Fr Sinnott's family had told him they were relieved that he appeared to be alive and well.

"No effort will be spared to secure the safe release of Fr Sinnott as soon as possible," he added.

Fears had grown for the wellbeing of Fr Sinnott, who was taken away by speedboat after being abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on 11 October. But negotiators earlier last week insisted he had received vital medicine for a heart problem.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly and former Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell are both involved in efforts to free the captured Catholic priest.

They have been in regular contact with the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through various intermediaries.

The MILF was initially thought to have been behind the kidnapping, but Mr Kelly said a criminal gang was now believed to be responsible.