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Philippine gang makes contact over kidnapped priest
30 Oct 2009An elderly Irish priest snatched by a kidnap gang in the Philippines is believed to be alive and has received vital medicine for a heart problem, it emerged today.
Fears had grown for the wellbeing of Fr Michael Sinnott, who was taken away by speedboat after being abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on October 11.
But Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly - who has been involved in behind-the-scenes talks to help secure the 79-year-old missionary's freedom - said the Co Wexford cleric was alive and had access to crucial medicine.
Mr Kelly and former Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell are understood to have been in regular contact with the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through intermediaries since Fr Sinnott was captured.
The MILF was initially thought to have been behind the kidnapping, but Mr 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," Mr Kelly said.
"The second news we've got is that they have managed to get some medication to him for his heart condition."
Mr Kelly said the cleric, who underwent a heart bypass four years ago, was understood to be held in an area called Lanao del Norte in northern Mindanao.
"What we will do is continue on. The main people who are doing the most work are the MILF who are active on the ground and the Philippine government," he added.
Fr Sinnott, who is 80 in December, ran a school for young people with learning and hearing difficulties called Hangop Kabatan, meaning refuge for children.
He is regarded as a highly respected missionary and is a well-liked figure in the community.
"This is an Irish priest who went out to the Philippines and has worked there for decades with the poor people of the country," Mr Kelly said.
"This is the wrong man to kidnap - this isn't a rich man and he doesn't have any independent wealth.
"All that he's done has been good for the people and he needs to be released."
