Filipino Government and Rebel Group Both Seek Release of Catholic Priest

16 October 2009

In the early hours of the 14 October 2009 Father Sinnott, a Catholic priest, was seized by gunmen and taken hostage on the southern island of Mindanao of the Philippines. Father Sinnott has spent 40 years aiding numerous Filipino communities. Authorities are concerned that the seventy year-old man—who has just undergone heart surgery—may not survive without having access to his daily medicines. The identity of the kidnappers is unclear, though military intelligence sources believe it may be a ransom kidnapping and may be linked to Muslim extremists in the region.

To retrieve the captured priest, a unique coalition has formed between the Filipino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front—a rebel organization of around 11,000 soldiers. Traditionally, the Filipino government and the Islamic separatist group have fought one another, but at this moment both parties are cooperating in an effort to retrieve Father Sinnott. This unorthodox alliance was initiated by the Filipino government, which requested intelligence and aid from the MILF.

Please pray for the safe retrieval of Father Sinnott. Pray that he may be safely returned to his community in good health, and that his rescue is as peaceful as possible. Pray that the cooperation between the Filipino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will lead to future partnerships and reconciliation.

Last updated 16 October 2009