Update: Kidnapped priest released

Michael Sinnott (79), a priest from Ireland who was abducted by armed men on October 11 in the city of Pagadian, Philippines (click here to read more) was set free before dawn on November 12 by the chief peace negotiator of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The kidnappers, whom Sinnott believes are not members of MILF, reportedly did not receive the $2 million USD ransom they had earlier demanded. Sinnott has stated that he was not seriously harmed by his kidnappers. He plans to resume his ministry in Pagadian, which includes assisting children and youth with special needs and advocating for peace through interreligious dialogue with an interfaith group. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

Thank the Lord that Michael Sinnott has been released unharmed. Pray for the salvation of those who kidnapped him.

Click here to learn more about the opposition facing 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)