Kidnapped Irish priest freed

Fr Sinnott, 79, from Barntown in Co Wexford, has a serious heart condition and has been taken to a centre for a medical check-up.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Martin said no ransom had been paid for the release of the priest, who is a member of the Missionaries of St Columban.

"I am personally delighted and relieved to relay the news that Fr Michael Sinnott has been freed by his captives and handed over to the Philippine authorities," said Mr Martin.

"The release of Fr. Michael represents the successful conclusion of a major diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine Governments.

"As in previous kidnaps, no ransom was paid by the Irish Government. To do so would only have jeopardised the vital work of aid workers and missionaries around the world - it would also place other Irish citizens in danger."

It is understood the cleric was handed over to police and government officials in the southern region of Mindanao shortly before dawn.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, are said to have helped secure his release.

Fr Sinnott was taken away by speedboat after being abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao last month.

The cleric, who is 80 in December, ran a school for young people with learning and hearing difficulties.

Mr Martin said the priest displayed great forbearance in enduring 32 days in captivity in spite of his age and difficult health.

"Fr Michael has spent much his life working for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, and I know that the ordinary people of the Philippines will be overjoyed to have him returned safe and well to his community," the Minister said.