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Pagadian (Agenzia Fides) - “After seeing the video that shows that Fr. Sinnot is alive, although visibly weakened and fatigued, it is time to begin direct negotiations with the kidnappers. We ask them to maintain stable contact and to being dialoguing to release the missionary. But the Church, as the Filipino Bishops have confirmed, will not pay a ransom. Fr. Sinnott himself would be against it and would say: 'Give that money to the poor.' This is what Agenzia Fides learned in a dialogue with Fr. Patrick O'Donoghue, Regional Superior of the Missionaries of Saint Columban in the Philippines, in regards to the kidnapping of Fr. Michael Sinnot, of the same congregation, on October 11 in Pagadian.
“We are worried about Fr. Sinnott's health, as he himself has said that he has some of his medicine with him, but not all the ones he needs. We are happy that he is alive and that a channel has been opened. Now is the time for compassion. We ask the abductors to consider the man they have taken hostage and to have mercy on him. We know that God has the power to change hearts and we hope that this can occur and that Fr. Sinnott can return to us,” Fr. O'Donoghue.
“Of course, the policy of the Church and the government can be none other than deny any payment of a ransom. It is the only way to discourage kidnapping and place an end to the vicious circle of kidnappings that has taken over the South Philippines. We are certain that Fr. Sinnott is in agreement, even though his life is on the line. If we give in, we will place our identity as missionaries and preachers of the Gospel on the line, making ourselves dealers of human lives,” the Superior pointed out.
Fr. Gilbert Hingone, spokesman of the Diocese of Pagadian, spoke along the same line: “Deciding clearly not to pay the ransom is a difficult decision, which could place the life of the hostage in jeopardy, but it is the only way to stop this absurd vicious circle of violence. We will do all we can to try and save Fr. Sinnott. The negotiations have begun, but ransom is out of the question. All is in the hands of the Crisis Team, which is following the case and has received the video of Fr. Sinnott. The military is currently placing pressure on the kidnappers and the area where the are is surrounded. The path of dialogue and non-violent talks is the best. The military is there to rescue him; although it is supported by several politicians, it is only the “extrema ratio.”
As for the involvement of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in rescue efforts, Fr. Hingone expresses his doubts: “We think that things could get complicated, with the intervention of more parties. It is better to leave everything in the hands of the Crisis Team.” In recent days, the MILF offered its help in the mediation process, as word had gotten out that the abductors were former guerrilla members of the movement. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2009)
