Another Priest Kidnapped
Fr. Michael Sinnott, 78, Irish, was reportedly walking inside the mission compound in Pagadian Cityafter dinner and when three of the convent’s employees were about to close the gate, a man pushed the gate and said he wanted to talk to the priest.
Witnesses said three or four other men immediately entered and took the missionary to a vehicle. The vehicle was later found torched in the city’s coastal area by local authorities.
As of the press time there was no ransom demanded yet, but this is another kidnap for ransom case, just like any kidnapping that involving a foreigner.
“Father Sinnott is a good man. We don’t know why he was kidnapped. He lived almost all his life in Mindanao.
He is weak and old, but still active in many interfaith forums,” said one of the priest's friends who declined to be identified.
“They cannot do anything because the men were armed. They pleaded, but the men still took Father Michael. We are praying for his safety,” she said.
The motive for the kidnapping remained unknown and no group has claimed responsibility.
Sinnott, of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, was ordained in 1954 and following studies in Rome was assigned to Mindanao in 1957.
He served in Mindanao until 1966 and was then assigned to the theology staff in Dalgan Park, Navan in Ireland. He returned to Philippines in 1976 where he has served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles.
Since 1998 he has been involved with “The Center and School for Special Children” which he established.
Witnesses said three or four other men immediately entered and took the missionary to a vehicle. The vehicle was later found torched in the city’s coastal area by local authorities.
As of the press time there was no ransom demanded yet, but this is another kidnap for ransom case, just like any kidnapping that involving a foreigner.
“Father Sinnott is a good man. We don’t know why he was kidnapped. He lived almost all his life in Mindanao.
He is weak and old, but still active in many interfaith forums,” said one of the priest's friends who declined to be identified.
“They cannot do anything because the men were armed. They pleaded, but the men still took Father Michael. We are praying for his safety,” she said.
The motive for the kidnapping remained unknown and no group has claimed responsibility.
Sinnott, of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, was ordained in 1954 and following studies in Rome was assigned to Mindanao in 1957.
He served in Mindanao until 1966 and was then assigned to the theology staff in Dalgan Park, Navan in Ireland. He returned to Philippines in 1976 where he has served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles.
Since 1998 he has been involved with “The Center and School for Special Children” which he established.
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