Update: Kidnappers demand ransom for priest


Screenshot from video
footage of Michael Sinnott

On October 10, Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men in the city of Pagadian near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines as he was conducting evening prayers in his home (click here for more information). Last week we reported that he was able to receive medication for his heart problems. This week, his kidnappers, who many believe are members of a rogue element of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, released video footage of the priest and demanded a $2 million (USD) ransom.

There continue to be grave concerns for Sinnott's health and safety. Please remember him in your prayers and pray for his release.

Click here to learn more about the opposition of Christians in the Philippines.

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Philippines Profile

Location
Asia

Population
101,833,938 (July 2011 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Tagalog (28.1), Cebuano (13.1), Ilocano (9), Bisaya/Binisaya (7.6), Hiligaynon Ilonggo (7.5), Bikol (6), other (28.7)

Religion (%)
Christian (92.25), Muslim (5.65), Non-religious (1.10), Other (1.00)

Leader
President Benigno Aquino

Government type
Republic

Legal system
Based on Spanish and Anglo-American law

Statistics provided by CIA World Factbook and Operation World.


Persecution News - Philippines

Church elder killed in Mindanao
(December 15, 2011)

Christian killed
(September 08, 2011)

Church bombed during Christmas Mass
(December 30, 2010)

Update: Kidnapped priest released
(November 18, 2009)

Update: Kidnappers demand ransom for priest
(November 04, 2009)

Update: Kidnapped priest alive but ailing
(October 28, 2009)

Elderly priest kidnapped
(October 14, 2009)