MANILA, Philippines -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno identified on Tuesday the MILF members involved in the kidnapping of Irish priest Michael Sinnott, after announcing that the Philippine government has rejected the MILF offer to rescue Sinnott in Mindanao.

In a press briefing, Puno cited statements from witnesses and other "pieces of evidence" in blaming members of the MILF?s 113rd Brigade led by a certain Al Alsree for Sinnott?s kidnapping in Pagadian City on Oct. 11.

He said he already directed the Philippine National Police to file cases against the MILF leader and his cohorts.

?We are now in the case build-up mode,? Puno said in a news conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

With evidence mounting on the MILF?s "role" in the kidnapping, Puno said there was no need to involve the MILF in the government?s efforts to rescue Sinnott.

Members of the Catholic clergy earlier expressed doubts about giving the MILF role in the rescue of Sinnott, saying the case should be treated as a matter of police work and would become complicated with MILF involvement.

The MILF has denied any involvement in the kidnapping.