Authorities clueless to rescue abducted Irish priest in Philippines

After 14 days of search, Philippine authorities on Sunday said they remain confused where a 79-year-old Irish priest is being held, nor are they sure who are the kidnappers.

"Sad to say, we have no clear information as to his whereabouts and we still have no contact with the abductors," said Allan June Molde, the government's crisis management committee created to rescue the abducted Irish national Michael Sinnott.

Sinnott was snatched by at least six suspects from his house in Pagadian city in southern Mindanao region on Oct. 11. Authorities initially blamed a group of pirates, led by one Guingona Samal, behind the abduction.

"We are quite puzzled and worried...we still have no solid information as to whereabouts, who are his abductors," Molde said, adding that local officials started to worry about the missionary who has heart conditions.

Sinnott was the second Western missionary being kidnapped in southern Philippines in the past five years. Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi spent a month in jungle captivity before being released by Abu Sayyaf militants in 2007.

Source: Xinhua