NEVER again will the long sleepless nights of waiting for a loved one and the emotional trouble of knowing whether he or she will come home or not, happen to anybody in Pagadian.
This was how Gov. Aurora Cerilles’ aired her hope at one point during her meeting with the press the day Columban priest Michael Sinnott was freed by his abductors.
Cerilles created and chaired the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) a day after the elderly priest, who had a history of heart problem, was snatched from his home in Gatas District early evening of Oct. 11.
Tasked to oversee the whole affairs for Sinnott’s safe release, Cerilles said the work of the CMC in the past 31 days was also something like a dilemma among the members, themselves, trying to figure out Sinnott’s whereabouts and making sure he got his daily dosage of medicines.
“We hope that this is our last meeting as members of the CMC and I really hope we will not meet again for another problem,” the governor told other members during the conference with the press.
Cerilles likewise attributed Sinnott’s early release to the prayers of everybody and those who loved the Irish missionary, who has worked for about 40 years already in the country.
“It is because of our strong faith and prayer. Not only us but also the whole world, were united in prayers for the safe return of Fr. Mick Sinnott,” she said.
Cerilles likewise clarified to the media that no ransom was paid in exchange for Sinnott’s liberty. “The government’s stand is always a no ransom policy,” she said.
To recall, it was Cerilles who broke the news over DxCA-Bell FM, said the Irish priest was freed by his captors at 4:30 a.m., Nov. 12, at Sangali Village in Zamboanga City by members of the task force formed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and was then turned over to government peace negotiators.
Sinnot, who was brought to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters for medical tests, was described as “disoriented but quite healthy.” He was flown then to Manila to meet President Gloria Arroyo in Malacañang.
Sinnott has a history of heart problems and efforts to deliver his medicines were repeatedly pleaded by the Missionary Society of St. Columban (MSSC) during his captivity.
The priest’s release came barely three days after the Abu Sayyaf Group beheaded another kidnap victim, identified as Gabriel Canizares, principal of Kanague Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, who was abducted last Oct. 19 in Brgy. Tanum.
Sinnott’s freedom also came 12 days after a proof of life video was received by the CMC relaying the abductors’ demand for a P100 million ransom. It was not known whether this demand was met as the government maintains its no ransom policy.
In an interview with journalists, Sinnott said that his captors, who identified themselves as a “lost command,” treated him well and made him sleep in a cot.
Sinnott added that he and his captors stayed for ten days in a swampy area and walked for hours before MILF negotiators meet him and later turned him to the WESMINCOM in Zamboanga City.
The priest added that during the first days of his captivity, his abductors tied his hands with rope and blindfolded him. He said his captors treated him well and he was guarded only by six men headed by a certain Kikoy.
As of press time, nothing can be said about the kidnapping as both the military and the MILF refuse to speak where they found Sinnott or give details about his kidnappers.
In the past weeks, several names were bared by the military including the pronouncement made recently by DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno, initially linking the MILF to the kidnapping but these only elicited denials from the rebel group.
Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to all the religious, both Muslims and Christians, in uniting together once for a prayer rally for Sinnot.
Also, the P200,000 cash reward from the city government intended for would-be informants on Sinnott’s whereabouts will be given instead to Hangop Kabataan Foundation.
The CMC agreed to give the reward money to the center and Cerilles said the provincial government will add another P200,000.
Last Nov. 7, during the prayer rally conducted by the transport group in Pagadian, cash totaling P2,147 was handed over to Hangop Kabataan.
Communication and Transportation and Motorized Tricycle franchising and Regulatory Board (MTFRB) chair Arnold Gavenia said the money was raised by members of the Federated Organizations of Pagadian Tricycle Drivers and Operators.
Sinnott’s release was one big miracle, Emma Andales, Hangop Kabataan team leader, said..
“We hope that Fr. Sinnott will still prefer to stay with us in Pagadian because he established the Hangop as his mission,” also said bookeeper Neneng Baling.
REPORT BY JONG CADION & MICHAEL MEDINA
