MILF urged to present rebels linked to Sinnott kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged yesterday the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership to present the rebels allegedly linked to the kidnapping of Irish priest Michael Sinnott in Pagadian City.

Director Felizardo Serapio Jr., PNP Director for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao said officials of police Task Force Zebra have already sent invitation letters to the concerned MILF rebels to present themselves for investigation to shed light on the incident.

Sinnott, who was abducted last Oct. 11 in Pagadian was released last Thursday in Zamboanga City.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa vowed to continue manhunt operations against the suspects who were responsible for the kidnapping of Sinnott despite the release of the hostage last week.

Serapio said charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom were filed before the Prosecutor’s Office of Pagadian City against MILF members Saidamen Montaner, James Palwa, a certain Jimboy and several unidentified suspects. – Cecile Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores