Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pagadian (Agenzia Fides) – In commenting on concern for the health conditions of Fr. Michael Sinnott, Missionary of Saint Columban abducted in Pagadian, Monsignor Gilbert Hingone, Vicar General of the Diocese of Pagadian, told Agenzia Fides: “We are very concerned for him. Fr. Sinnott recently underwent a double-bypass surgery on his heart. He needs to take medicine every day. We hope he will be released soon, in less than a week, given that his body will not be able to resist much longer in the conditions in hands of the abductors, who often use forced march on their victims.” The Vicar adds: “Only bits and pieces of news reach us. We have received no requests from the abductors, nor do we know exactly where the religious is. According to military leaders in the area, he has been sighted in the area of South Lanao. We trust in the work of the military and intelligence in assuring his prompt liberation.”
As for those responsible for the abduction, Monsignor Gilbert says: “For experience, the suspects are the groups who use kidnapping as a business to finance themselves. They want money to finance their cause. But the policy of the Church in South Philippines is not to cede to a request for ransom.”
In the meantime, the Muslim Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the movement fighting for the autonomy of the South Philippines, has denied its involvement. However, there are many faction groups of the MILF or those with ties to the terrorist group 'Abu Sayyaf' that are active in the region.”
The Vicar told Fides the reaction of the community in Pagadian, nearly 900,000 faithful that live in the extreme south of the Mindanao Island: “In the city, the faithful from all the different parishes and all the regions gathered togather, to show their solidarity and affection to Fr. Sinnot. He is a missionary who has worked here for 30 years and is very well known and loved by the local people. All came together to pray, to ask God to protect his life.”
Also, several local Muslim groups have expressed their sympathy. The Vicar comments: “In this area, we are working intensely on interreligious dialogue and several Muslim groups have shown their solidarity, condemning the kidnapping. But these groups do not have any influence on the terrorists (who also claim to be Muslims) who live on violence and kidnapping.”
The long trail of kidnapping of religious and humanitarian aid workers will end the reconciliation and peace process in Mindanao? “I don't think so,” Msgr. Hingone said. “It can certainly have its negative effects, in that it does not contribute to a peaceful society. However, the efforts being made by the Filipino Bishops and the Ulema Muslims united in the Ulama Bishops' Conference, go beyond these events. In Mindanao, there are other more important questions to face, like poverty, underdevelopment, social and economic disparity among the various communities...Occurrences like the kidnapping of Fr. Sinnott, although it is painful and unjust, cannot stop the Church's work in Mindanao in favor of reconciliation, interreligious dialogue, and the peace process.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2009)
