Manila - The European Union's top diplomat in the Philippines on Friday called for the immediate and safe release of an ailing Irish Catholic priest abducted by Muslim kidnappers. Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, head of the delegation of the European Commission, also urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help recover Columban missionary Michael Sinnott.
"There have been reports that Father Sinnott may be held by some MILF group," he said. "If that's the case, I very much hope the MILF would be able to ensure that Father Sinnott is released safely."
He called on the kidnappers to "immediately and safely" release Sinnott, 79, who had undergone a quadruple heart bypass operation in 2005.
Sinnott was abducted on October 11 by six gunmen who barged into Columban House in Pagadian City, 890 kilometres south of Manila.
Authorities said the gunmen, who allegedly have ties with a notorious pirate, turned over Sinnott to a MILF commander the following day.
The MILF has denied reports that a rebel commander in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte province, 810 kilometres south of Manila, was now holding Sinnott.
On Thursday, the kidnappers contacted Columban House in the first communication since the abduction, but authorities declined to give details on what was discussed.
Major General Ben Dolorfino said efforts were being taken to send medicine to Sinnott.
He added that the military has tightened a cordon around the area where Sinnott and his kidnappers were believed to be holed up to prevent them from moving.
Dolorfino earlier reported that Sinnott was seen by military informants "with blood on his head."
Sinnott was first assigned in the southern region of Mindanao in 1957, but left the country in 1966. He returned in 1976 and in 1998 he established a school for special children in Pagadian City.
