UP Ibalon Bicol: Irish priest kinapped in Zamboanga

Irish priest kinapped in Zamboanga

10/13/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Michael Sinnott, a 78-year old Columban missionary was abducted by unidentified armed men in Pangadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last October 11, 2009. The motive of the abduction was unclear but Zamboanga City Archibiship Romulo Valles thought it could be for the purpose of extorting ransom.

According to the director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) Angelo Sunglao six armed men dragged the elderly priest into a vehicle which was later abandoned after it was set on fire. Fr. Sinnot was said to have been conducted into a boat which traveled in high seas without any known destination. No group had so far claimed responsibility.

Because of the age and health of the missionary, Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar requested that the priest be released by his kidnappers. The priest had been suffering from heart problems.

“We appeal to his abductor to treat him with respect and release him soonest. Father Mick is not in the (best) of health and badly needs his daily dosage of medicine. When he was taken he only had with him medicine good for one day,” Cabajar said. “We are urging the abductors for arrangement to be made to insure that Fr. Mick gets his medicine.”---- PHilstar (10/13/09, Pareno, C)

Sinnott had been a coordinator of Hangop Kabataan(Caring for Special Children), an humanitarian group in Pagadian City which assists disabled children and those with mental and physical problems. The Columban missionary is the third Irish priest kidnapped in Southern Philippines in the past 12 years. (Photo Credit: Charles Saceda) =0=

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LABELS: kidnapping, abduction, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Irish priest, missionary, Michael Sinnot, Totie Mesia