Rome, Italy, Oct 20, 2009 / 10:02 am
The Vicar General of the Diocese of Pagadian in the Philippines, Father Gilbert Hingone, reported this week that although there has not been any direct contact with the kidnappers of Father Michael Sinnot, he is hopeful for his release thanks to the work being done by the civil-military committee to free the missionary.
Speaking with Fides news agency, Father Hingone said the committee “is working well, thanks to intelligence work. We are hopeful. There are positive developments in this case - small steps - although there is still no direct contact with the kidnappers.”
Fr. Sinnott,78, was taken at gunpoint by six men who stormed his home in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on Oct. 11. According to Reuters, witnesses said the Colombian priest was bundled into a van and later dragged to a boat.
The priest is known to have a heart condition and needs a daily dosage of medicine.