Priest set free after 32-day kidnap ordeal
Irish priest Michael Sinnott speaks during a press conference at a military airbase in Zamboanga City hours after he was freed. Photo: Getty Images
Thursday November 12 2009
AN Irish priest kidnapped in the Philippines has been released after 32 days spent in captivity.
Fr Michael Sinnott (79), a member of the Columban Fathers from Barntown, Co Wexford, was last night being assessed by doctors.
He was snatched by six gunmen from his mission's compound in the northern city of Pagadian on October 11 and has spent the past month in captivity.
Early indications were that he had been released into the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The release came as dawn was breaking, at nearly 5am local time.
A new crisis management committee (CMC) was formed by the government in the Philippines in the past few days to negotiate his release.
And last night, Fr Sinnott's family spoke of their relief and joy after getting the news from the Philippines and said they were looking forward to seeing him soon.
A niece in Wexford, Aine O'Meara, said that she was feeling "great" following confirmation of her uncle's safe release.
"We're delighted and relieved," she told the Irish Independent last night.
"We heard just tonight before the news broke publicly and it's just a big relief."
Fr Sinnott grew up in Barntown outside Wexford town and still has many relations in the area.
They are now looking forward to hearing from him as he begins his recovery from the kidnap ordeal and rebuilds his health. "Our main priority is his safety," Ms O'Meara said. "I really don't know much more about it at this stage, but the relief is huge. Our main priority now is that he would be kept safe and will get a chance to regain his strength and we look forward to seeing him."
Despite living away from Wexford for decades, he still returned from the Philippines on a regular basis to meet with his family and old friends. He also celebrated Mass in Clonard parish church during his visits home.
He recently spent some time in Wexford while recuperating from a quadruple heart-bypass operation.
Prayers were said on a regular basis around the diocese of Ferns for Fr Sinnott's release, amid growing concerns about his health as he is on daily medication for his heart condition.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen last night spoke of his relief at Fr Sinnott's release and said government officials would be liaising with the missionary to bring about a speedy reunion with his family in Ireland.
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin spoke of his delight at the safe release of the missionary priest and said no ransom had been paid by the Government to his kidnappers. "I am delighted and relieved to relay the news that Fr Michael Sinnott has been freed by his captors and handed over to the Philippine authorities," the minister said.
"It has been a tough 32 days for everyone concerned, but particularly for those waiting anxiously at the end of the phone for news of their loved one," he added.
Tribute
The minister paid tribute to the people of the Philippines for their co-operation in securing the release of Fr Sinnott as well as the EU representatives in Manila who were a "valuable support".
"I would especially like to thank Ambassador Richard O'Brien and his colleagues on the ground for their perseverance and determination in bringing about a happy outcome," he added.
The Irish and Filipino governments, as well as the Columban Fathers, had repeatedly ruled out paying a ransom for Fr Sinnott's release. "As in previous kidnappings, no ransom was paid by the Irish Government as to do so would only have jeopardised the work of Irish aid workers and missionaries around the world.
"It would only place other Irish citizens in danger," said Mr Martin.
The Columban fathers last night said that the breakthrough came at early dawn in the Phillipines.
"We think Fr Sinnott is okay. We do not suspect he has been hurt," said a spokesman.
He added that early indications were that he had been released into the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "We do not know much more at this stage. The MILF have said they were not involved in the kidnapping."
A new crisis management committee (CMC) was formed by the government in the Phillipines to negotiate the release of Fr Sinnott.
The government said it was giving the MILF central committee a chance to help in the release of the missionary after information came out that the secessionist group has not abandoned their readiness to help effect the release of the abducted priest. Thousands of soldiers and police, along with rebel soldiers, had been searching for the priest. The big fear all along was that an al-Qa'ida-linked group had kidnapped him.
- Breda Heffernan and Brendan Farrelly
Irish Independent
