While welcoming the internal investigation promised by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help free kidnapped Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott, Malacañang Monday challenged the group to turn over his abductors.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said the Philippine government is counting on the full cooperation of the MILF to facilitate the rescue of the 78-year-old priest.

“I think it is incumbent upon the MILF to be supportive on the military operations particularly in handing over those who are accused of this crime,” he said in a press briefing.

The press undersecretary said they also welcomed the internal investigation which will be conducted by the MILF to determine the involvement of the MILF’s special operations group in the abduction.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar expressed his group’s willingness to conduct its own investigation to check whether or not Sinnott’s kidnappers are rogue members of the secessionist group.

“That is going to be a welcome addition to the efforts being made by the MILF to show in good faith their loyalty to the cause of peace, particularly between the government and the MILF. Nevertheless, our police authorities supported by the military authorities would still be relentless in trying to pursue these perpetrators,” Golez said.

Meanwhile, emotions are running high in the Pagadian diocese while its members await word on the situation of Father Sinnott.