Irish ambassador to meet Philippine officials

The Irish ambassador to Singapore is travelling to the Philippines to help secure the release of Fr Michael Sinnott, who was abducted by armed men yesterday.

Dick O'Brien is due to meet officials in the capital Manila to discuss how best to secure the 79-year-old's freedom.

The Wexford native, who has been living in the Philippines since 1976, was kidnapped from his home in the city of Pagadian.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but Muslim militants are active in the area and have targeted foreigners in the past.