IRISH PRIEST IS LATEST FOREIGNER KIDNAPPED IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002220 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/22/2019 TAGS: PREL MARR RP SUBJECT: IRISH PRIEST IS LATEST FOREIGNER KIDNAPPED IN MINDANAO REF: A. MANILA 0247 (ICRC KIDNAPPING) ¶B. MANILA 2198 (CHARGE DISCUSSES PEACE ¶C. TERRORISM WITH MILF LEADER Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: An Irish priest, Father Michael Sinnott, was abducted on October 11 in what appears to be the latest in a series of kidnappings for ransom of foreigners in the southern region of Mindanao. Concern is growing for the health of Sinnott, who requires daily medication, since the kidnappers have not provided proof of life. There has been widespread press speculation that Father Sinnott is being held in territory controlled by a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander, but the MILF adamantly denies any involvement in the kidnapping. In a recent meeting with top MILF leaders, the DCM urged the MILF to cooperate in any way possible to help secure Father Sinnott's release. While the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) have not made specific requests for assistance to the U.S. military, we are sharing information per our ongoing bilateral cooperation. End summary. Background -------------- ¶2. (U) The southern region of Mindanao continues to be plagued by a series of kidnappings for ransom of foreigners. In January 2009, bandits affiliated with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group kidnapped three officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Swiss, Italian, and Filipino nationals, who were abducted after carrying out a prison visit on the island of Jolo, were eventually released, but the Italian hostage was held for six months. In June 2007, an Italian priest was held by kidnappers for six weeks. Latest Kidnapping -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Father Sinnott, a Columban missionary, has been assigned to Zamboanga del Sur province since the mid-1980s. According to press reports, at approximately 7:20 PM on October 11, Sinnott was abducted by six armed men who entered his home in Pagadian City. Financial gain is the most common motivation for kidnappings in Mindanao; however, abductors occasionally make political demands as well (Ref A). According to Zamboanga City Archbishop Valles, Sinnott's kidnappers are likely motivated by a desire for ransom, and the Embassy is not aware of any political demands having been made. ¶4. (U) Eleven days after Sinnott was taken, concern is growing for the health of the priest, who has had open heart surgery and requires daily medication. A member of the local government's crisis committee said that, "It has been several days and there is no proof of life yet coming from the kidnappers. We appeal to the public to help give the necessary information and the kidnappers to contact us." Rescue Efforts -------------- ¶5. (U) In its remarks to the press, the AFP has said that a priority of its rescue operation has been to prevent the kidnappers from moving Father Sinnott from Mindanao Island to the Sulu Archipelago, where illegal armed groups have a stronger presence. That objective has been met, according to AFP officials, who said that Sinnott was sighted as recently as October 20 in Lanao del Norte province. ¶6. (C) Numerous press reports have alleged that Father Sinnott is being held on territory controlled by a local military commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),an insurgent group currently operating under a ceasefire with the Philippine government. MILF leaders have strongly denied the allegations. In an October 16 meeting with MILF leader Murad Ibrahim, the DCM urged the MILF to do all it could to help secure Father Sinnott's rapid release (Ref B). The DCM relayed to Murad the extreme concern of the Irish Ambassador regarding Father Sinnott's ill health and need for heart medication. She stressed that the MILF had a role to play in helping the situation and preventing terrorist and kidnap-for-ransom groups from exploiting the lack of security. On October 17, the MILF ordered its troops to help in the search for Sinnott, and on October 21, an MILF spokesman said that his organization is "zeroing in on the location and identities" of the kidnappers. U.S. Assistance MANILA 00002220 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶7. (C) U.S. troops from the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) work closely on a continuing basis with AFP forces in Mindanao. While the AFP has not made any specific requests for assistance in the Sinnott case, JSOTF-P continues to advise and assist AFP planners and share information per our ongoing bilateral cooperation. In prior kidnapping cases, the U.S. has provided medical evacuation and other transportation assistance, and we have informed the AFP that we stand ready to do so in this case as well. KENNEY