ZAMBOANGA CITY: Kidnappers holding a kidnapped Irish priest have demanded ransom and senior Sinn Féin figure Gerry Kelly and former Downing St. chief of staff Jonathan Powell have been involved in behind-the-scenes talks in an attempt to secure the ailing Columban missioner.
Father Michael Sinnott, 79, was kidnapped by six gunmen Oct. 11 from his home in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur in western Mindanao.
Kelly was quoted as saying by the Irish Times as saying the priest was being held captive in Lanao del Norte province in northern Mindanao.
It said the priest, who has had several heart surgeries in the past, received his life-saving medicines through emissaries in the Philippines.
Kelly said he had been contacted by a relative of another priest working in the Philippines about Father Sinnott.
“I understand that Fr. Sinnott is both safe and alive and I also understand that he has got his medicine for his heart condition,” he said.
He said: “The good news is that they believe he is in Lanao del Norte. The kidnappers are asking for ‘board and lodgings’ — a euphemism for a ransom.”
Kelly did not say how much ransom the kidnappers were demanding. Another report said Kelly and Powell have been in regular contact with the Philippine government and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, through intermediaries.
The MILF, which is currently negotiating peace with Manila, was initially thought to have been behind the kidnapping, but Kelly said a criminal gang was now believed to be responsible.
“We know the kidnappers have got in touch looking for ransom — the good news about that is it means he is alive and in health,” Kelly said.
“The second news we’ve got is that they have managed to get some medication to him for his heart condition.”
The Philippine military said it was unaware of any negotiations involving Kelly and Powell for the safe release of the priest.
“We are not aware of this negotiation by Kelley and Powell. What we known is the MILF is trying to help the authorities in securing the release of Father Sinnott,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino.
