World Bulletin / News Desk

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) redeployed its forces Tuesday to continue its search for abducted Irish missionary in Philippines.

But, the Philippines had rejected an earlier offer by the country's largest Muslim group to help free an Irish Catholic priest held on a southern island.

Earlier, the MILF said it maight call off its rescue mission after Philippines Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno accused a commander of involvement.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said they decided to continue helping in the efforts to recover the 79-year-old ailing priest after they had evaluated the conciliatory statements of key government officials.

He cited the statement of senior Philippines official that the government has never blamed the group for the kidnapping as a reason.

"Our forces are on the ground right now," Iqbal told Philippine media.

"We have no time table as to when we can get Sinnott. His captors are like eagles," Iqbal said.

Alan Molde, spokesperson of the Zamboanga del Sur crisis management committee, said they were optimistic that Sinnott would be home soon because of the efforts to secure his release.

Michael Sinnott, a foreign missionary, was abducted by six gunmen from the Columban House in Pagadian City on October 11.

MILF and the government moved one step closer to resuming formal peace talks with an agreement to protect civilians and their properties in armed conflict last month.