Sinnott superiors unaware of negotiations for his release

MANILA, Philippines - Negotiations for the release of kidnapped Catholic priest Michael Sinnott have yet to begin, according to his superior.

Fr. Patrick O’ Donoghue, Mission Society of St. Columban regional superior, said he is not aware of any negotiation for the release of Sinnott, who has been in captivity for nearly a month.

“I am not in negotiations with anyone,” he said.

“Nor, as far as I am aware, is anybody else in the Church in negotiations.

“Nor, do I know of anyone else being in negotiation with those who are holding Fr. Mick.”

O’ Donoghue’s statement was posted on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

The CBCP and the Columban Missionaries have repeatedly declined calls for a military rescue of Sinnott.

They want authorities to explore dialogue and negotiations.

Military officials said a rescue operation must only be a last resort, although more troops have been deployed since last week.

Military dragnet

Troops have thrown a dragnet around an area between the two Lanao provinces where Sinnott is believed to be held.

Col. Benito de Leon, Army 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said he has ordered checkpoints set up to prevent the kidnappers from escaping with Sinnott.

Sinnott is believed to be held in the boundary of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, he added.

However, De Leon said any military action to rescue Sinnott must be done with the approval of the Zamboanga del Sur crisis management committee.

“Once sighted, the troops would just keep a close eye and immediately inform the local CMC, and we will not take action unless given the go signal,” he said.

The 79-year-old Sinnott was snatched by unidentified armed men from the Columban Residence in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last Oct. 11.

O’ Donoghue renewed his appeal to Sinnott’s kidnappers to release the priest for health reasons.

“We hope that whoever is holding Fr. Sinnott will consider his age, his health and the esteem in which he is held by so many people, and not detain him any longer,” he said. – Helen Flores, James Mananghaya