MILF leader seeking Libya aid on Sinnott

TRIPOLI, Libya - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief of Civil-Military Affairs Department Eid Kabalu asked Friday Libya through the 5th General Conference of the World Islamic People's Leadership (WIPL), being held at Zhat Al-Emad Conference Center here, to help in the safe release of kidnapped Irishman Fr. Michael Sinnott of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, whom suspected Moro gunmen snatched on October 11.

Kabalu, spokesman for the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF), is attending the international conference of WIPL, a 20-year-old organization headed by Libyan Leader Colonel Muammar Al-Gaddafi and with members around the world.

Aside from a document he is submitting to the confererence, Kabalu said he will personally convey the sentiments of many Muslim Filipinos to WIPL Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sharief to immediately help in the effort to free the Catholic leader.

"Before something bad happens, Allah forbid, to Father Michael Sinnott, the effort to free him safely must be completed. Libya, I believe, can be able to help in this effort like in the past," Kabalu told the Manila Bulletin.

He conveyed to the WIPL forum the progress made in the 12 years old Mindanao peace process, particularly the signing of the agreement on the creation of the International Contact Group (ICG) to help move the negotiations forward and another accord on the protection of non-combatants and civilian properties such as houses, schools, hospitals, etc.

The ailing 79 years old Sinnott is on his 27th day of his ordeal today, Nov. 7, in the grip of kidnappers said to be led by a certain "Abu Jandal" who is asking for a US$2 million (about P94 million).

Kabalu recalled that Libya had played major roles in the release of past kidnap victims in the past, such as the notorious abduction of 21 European tourists and resort workers on Sipadan Island in Malaysia in April 2000.

This is the reason the MILF leader took advantage of his participation in the WIPL international forum, attended by over 500 Muslim professionals, scholars, writers, and authors, among others, to convey to the WIPL hierarchy the need for Libya to get involved in the effort to free Sinnott, who turns 80 in December next month.