Irish priest freed in Philippines

DUBLIN, Ireland, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- An elderly Irish Catholic priest kidnapped by rebels in the Philippines was freed Wednesday, government officials in Dublin said.

The Rev. Michael Sinnott, 79, was delivered to police and government officials in Zamboanga in the predawn hours, the Irish public broadcaster RTE reported.

The Foreign Affairs Department said no ransom was paid by the Irish government. The kidnappers, described by government officials as gunmen aligned with a local rebel commander, had demanded $2 million before they would release the priest.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the dominant Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, was said to be involved in securing Sinnott's freedom. The priest, a member of the Missionaries of St. Columban, was abducted Oct. 11.

"This is wonderful news and will be a source of great joy to Father Sinnott's family, the Columban fathers, his many friends and all the people around Ireland and the Philippines who have been keeping him in their thoughts and prayers these past difficult weeks," Irish President Mary McAleese said.