Security tightened at Villamor Air Base for Sinnott’s arrival

Security was tightened at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday for the arrival of freed Irish missionary priest Michael Sinnott from Zamboanga City. A report on dzXL radio said presidential guards were seen at the military air base but there was no confirmation President Gloria Arroyo would personally welcome Sinnott there. Philippine Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Gerardo Zamudio Jr. said media may be allowed to cover the arrival of Sinnott. Sinnott was released before dawn Thursday, one month after he was abducted in Pagadian City in Mindanao. His release came hours before the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The military said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front turned over Sinnott to government authorities, even as the MILF refused to "dignify" claims that it was behind the abduction. [See: Abductors free kidnapped Irish priest Michael Sinnott] - GMANews.TV