Released Irish priest reveals kidnap ordeal

The 79-year-old missionary, who has a serious heart problem, was abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on October 11.

No ransom was paid for the release of the Wexford cleric.

After being greeted by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at a Manila airport, a smiling Sinnott, dressed in a clean shirt, told reporters: "Because I am a bit old and I found hiking a bit difficult at times, I think that they'd be glad to kidnap a younger man next time.

"For the first 10 days we were in a swampy area. It was a small place. I could not walk around. I was just sleeping on the hammock or sitting, doing nothing else.

"They did their best to make things as easy as possible for me."

President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin led tributes to Fr Sinnott, a member of the Columban Fathers.

"He is clearly a man of great resilience, strength and courage and we wish him well as he seeks to recover from such a trying ordeal," said the President.

Mr Cowen said everyone's prayers had been answered.

"Government officials will be liaising with Fr Michael and offering any assistance we can, in bringing about a speedy reunion with his family and friends," said the Taoiseach.

The freed missionary is in a health centre in the city of Zamboanga in the southern region of the island.

Father Pat O'Donoghue, regional director of the Columban Fathers in the Asian islands, said he was grateful, joyful and thankful for his peaceful release.

"I trust the people who are with him and they told me he is in good health and is resting," said an emotional Fr O'Donoghue.

"I'm very grateful to all the people who prayed and tried everything possible to make sure this happened peacefully. We thank God."

Fr Sinnott ran a school for young people with learning and hearing difficulties called Hangop Kabatan - meaning refuge - for children.

He was snatched by six gunmen who stormed his residence near the southern city of Pagadian and taken away by speedboat.

It is understood the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, helped secure his release - the second high profile kidnapping handled by Irish diplomats in recent weeks.

Irish aid worker Sharon Commins and her Ugandan colleague Hilda Kawuki were freed last month after 107 days in captivity in war-torn Sudan.

Mr Martin confirmed that like in Sudan, no ransom was paid for Fr Sinnott.

The minister said his release was the success of a diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine Governments.

He said Fr Sinnott displayed great forbearance in enduring more than a month in captivity in spite of his age and difficult health.

"Fr Michael has spent much his life working for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, and I know that the ordinary people of the Philippines will be overjoyed to have him returned safe and well to his community," the Minister said.

"I would like to pay my own personal tribute to the Sinnott family, who have behaved with great dignity during this ordeal.

"It has been a tough 32 days for everybody concerned, but particularly so for those who were waiting anxiously at the end of the phone for news of their loved one."

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said Fr Sinnott's freedom will come as a great relief to his family, his colleagues and his friends.

"I have spoken to Fr Sinnott's family and they are obviously delighted," said Mr Kelly, who had been in touch through intermediaries with both government officials and representatives of the MILF group.

"Father Sinnott has spent many decades serving the poor and needy in the Philippines. He is hugely popular amongst those he ministers to."

Fr Sinnott was the third Irish priest to be kidnapped in the area.

In 1997, Fr Des Hartford was held by Islamic militants for 12 days and in 2001 a priest from Waterford, Fr Rufus Hally, was shot dead during an attempted abduction.