MANILA, Philippines—The kidnapping of Irish priest Michael Sinnott "could be the work of misguided scalawags," not Moro Islamic Liberation Front regulars, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael Seguis.
Seguis, also chairman of the government negotiating panel in the peace talks with the secessionist group, on Thursday told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the MILF leadership "has already denounced this dastardly act."

"I have faith and confidence in the MILF leadership's resolve to help the government in freeing Fr. Sinnott from his abductors whether their offer of assistance is accepted or not," Seguis said.

He said he strongly believes the kidnapping of “Fr. Sinnott is not related to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines-MILF peace talks."

In a text message, Seguis also expressed confidence "the formal resumption of peace talks will proceed as we had earlier agreed."