MANILA – The local government of Pagadian offered a cash reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of Irish priest Michael Sinnott who was abducted by gunmen on October 11, ANC’s On the Scene reported Friday.

“There was a meeting with members of the Sangguniang Lungsod wherein they have approved that P200,000 reward to whoever can give the exact location,” said Allan Molde, spokesperson of the Zamboanga Del Sur Crisis Management Committee.

Molde said Pagadian Mayor Samuel Co is coordinating with the business sector to ask for their commitment to raise the reward money and help resolve the hostage crisis.

Unidentified suspects abducted the 79-year-old priest of the Missionary Society of St. Columban from a convent in Pagadian City on October 11.

The priest’s abductors have yet to issue any demands, and authorities have not made contacts with the kidnappers.

“This is the 12th day and we do not have contact yet with the abductors. All we received are information that our authorities are still verifying,” said Molde.

Molde announced on air two hotline numbers that informants could call to give information on Sinnott’s location.
 
“There's a hotline for the Task Force Zebra--062 (area code) 2154 4360 and 062 2154 4361. We are appealing to the people who may have information to contact the hotlines mentioned and help us resolve this crisis,” Molde said.

Meanwhile, the Bishop and the entire Diocese of Pagadian appealed for help to safely rescue the abducted priest.

They are worried about Sinnott’s health because of his heart condition.

“Fr. Sinnott has undergone quadruple heart bypass. At the age of 79, he does not have a very healthy condition,” Molde added.

Search operations for Sinnott are focused on Zamboanga Del Sur and Lanao provinces.