CAIRO

Muslims, either in Ireland or the Philippines, are appealing for the release of a Catholic priest kidnapped in southern Philippines, amid reports that his abductors might be Muslims.

"We join our Christian brethren in strongly condemning this act," Ummah Fi Salam, an Irish local Muslim group, We also pray for his safety and immediate release.”

Father Michael Sinnott, an Irish priest, was kidnapped Sunday from his home at the Missionary Society of St. Columban compound in the southern city of Pagadian.

Six heavily armed men barged into the Columban House and dragged him into a van before the eyes of his horrified aides.

“Mick is not in the best of health and badly needs his daily dosage of medicine," Emmanuel Cabajar, the Bishop of Pagadian, appealed in a statement to the kidnappers.

No group has claimed responsibility but fingers of accusations have been pointed at either Al-Qaeda-linked Abou Sayaf group or Muslims fighting for a Muslim homeland in the south.
But the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied any link to the abduction.

"We are not involved in this, and we see no reason why our men should be involved in this," spokesman Eid Kabalu told Agence France-Presse (AFP).