Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pagadian (Agenzia Fides) - There has been “little progress” made on the kidnapping case of Fr. Michael Sinnott, the Missionary of Saint Columban kidnapped on October 11 in Pagadian. Fr. Gilbert Hingone, Vicar General and spokesman of the Diocese of Pagadian, confirmed this fact in a dialogue with Agenzia Fides: “We can still not speak of direct negotiations, however there have been steps taken in making contact with the kidnappers. We have officially received an offer for help from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Islamic movement that controls part of the territory of Northern Lanao, where the missionary is located. It seems that the kidnappers are former members of the MILF and that a mediation effort could have a happy ending. The Crisis Team that is following the case has decided to give the MILF's offer a chance. In the meantime, we have sent two of our emissaries to the area, with the medicine Fr. Sinnott needs. However, we are unsure as to whether or not they have reached him.”
The Crisis Team will place several conditions for opening negotiations for a rescue operation, and according to information from the MILF, the missionary is alive although he suffers from weakness and intestinal problems. “We hope to be able to save him with peaceful means, even if the situation is still unclear and it is difficult to understand what is going on. We trust that the mediation offered by the MILF will be successful,” Fr. Hingone said.
In the meantime, the Diocese of Pagadian continues prayer vigils and gatherings, asking God to protect and free the missionary. “There are also interreligious encounters taking place between Christians and Muslims, condemning this violence,” Fr. Hingone tells Fides.
However, as Fides learns from Church sources in Mindanao, the climate in the area remains tense and many missionaries are having to be accompanied by escorts, including missionaries of Saint Columban, the PIME, and the OMI, especially those most noticeable or with public posts. There are also several Bishops in this position, however “this is an extreme remedy and many missionaries have refused taking such measures, which are being offered by the army,” Fides sources said. “They prefer to risk their lives, defended only by the Gospel and the words of love for the enemy that they carry on their lips.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2009)
