Irish priest freed from month long captivity in the Philippines
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Friday, November 13, 2009
- 23 November 2009: 21 dead, 30 missing after a bloody massacre in Maguindanao, Philippines
- 13 November 2009: Irish priest freed from month long captivity in the Philippines
- 1 November 2009: Heavy storm hits Philippines, kills fourteen
- 30 October 2009: Typhoon Mirinae heads towards the Philippines
- 18 October 2009: Philippines prepares for new typhoon
Irish priest Father Michael Sinnott has been freed by the gunmen who abducted him one month ago. The 79 year old was taken hostage from his mission office in the Philippines on the 11th of October. The Irish government released a statement saying they had not paid a ransom. Authorities believe that Father Sinnott was being held by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Father Sinnott was based in Pagadian at the time of his abduction but was originally from County Wexford, Ireland. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin released a statement saying Father Sinnott’s release was due to diplomatic efforts between the Irish and Filipino governments.
Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen expressed his delight at the release of Father Sinnott. There had been reports that a £1.2 million ransom was being demanded by the hostage takers.
Father Sinnott released a statement after his release saying that he was “treated very well” by his hostage takers and that he would continue with his missionary work.
Related news
- "Irish priest seized by gunmen in the Philippines". Wikinews, October 12, 2009
Sources
- "Irish priest freed in the Philippines". BBC News Online, November 11, 2009
- Ciara O'Brien "Columbans pledge to continue missionary work". Irish Times, November 11, 2009
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