Sinnott rally to take place today

A rally will be held in the Philippines later today to demand the release of an Irish priest being held captive there.

Fr Michael Sinnott, who is 79, was abducted almost two weeks ago on the island of Mindanao.

There were reports that the Columban missionary had died, but the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that these rumours are “totally unsubstantiated”.

Around 1,000 people are expected to attend the demonstration in Manila.