THE Crisis Management Committee (CMC) is happy to know that the Irish priest abducted in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur is alive.

“We are very happy to see the video, it’s a sign Fr. (Michael) Sinnott is alive but we pity him seeing the sadness on his face for the condition he is into in the hands of the captors,” said Zamboanga del Sur CMC spokesman Allan June Molde on Sunday.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

The kidnappers holding captive Sinnott released a video of the hostage relaying his captors’ demand of $2 million ransom.

It was not immediately known when and where the video was recorded except that the 79-year-old hostage was holding a national newspaper dated October 22.

Sinnott was heard saying in the video that the kidnappers led by a certain commander Abu Jayad are asking for $2 million in exchange for his release.

The video was released days after allegations circulated that Sinnott died while in captivity.

Molde said the CMC and the Mission Society of Saint Columban (MSSC) will stand by the no ransom policy of the government in seeking the safe release of Sinnott.

Sinnott, a member of the MSSC, was seized by six gunmen in the evening of October 11 at MSSC compound in Gatas district, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The CMC headed by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Aurora Cerilles held a meeting Sunday afternoon with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno in attendance.

Molde said the CMC is now on a “wait and see” situation, citing there has been no communication yet established between them and the kidnappers.

“We are waiting for further development. We are hoping to establish contact and negotiation would start soon,” Molde said, citing they don’t even have information concerning Sinnott’s whereabouts and what group is holding him captive.

No one has claimed responsibility over the kidnapping of Sinnott since the time he was seized at MSSC compound in Pagadian City.