MANILA, Oct 29, 2009 (AFP) - The identity of the kidnappers of an elderly Irish Catholic priest in the troubled southern Philippines remains unknown nearly three weeks after his abduction, the victim's superior said Thursday.

While government and military officials were quick to blame rogue Islamic militants or pirates for the abduction of Father Michael Sinnott, no group has made contact, said Father Patrick O'Donoghue, the Philippine head of the Missionary Society of Saint Columban.

"We do not know who they are and that is the absolute truth," O'Donoghue told AFP as he denied local press reports saying that negotiations were already under way for Sinnott's freedom.

The 79-year-old priest, who has a long history of heart problems, was seized by gunmen from his mission office in Pagadian city on Mindanao island on October 11.

The military, citing its own intelligence network, has said Sinnott was being kept somewhere in the rugged terrain of Lanao del Norte province, where Islamic separatists are known to operate.

It initially blamed a notorious pirate in the area, although Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has also said he believes Sinnott is being held by rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The MILF, which has been waging a separatist rebellion since 1978, has denied involvement and has even offered to assemble a special team to help government troops track down Sinnott.

O'Donoghue on Thursday welcomed the MILF offer, and expressed frustration at "contradictory statements" by authorities in the local press.

"We appreciate any offer of help that would enable Mick to safely and speedily be returned," he said.

"My hope really remains that they will provide for his medical needs. I also hope that compassion will win out and they will allow him to return (to his mission) quickly."

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu meanwhile said all rebel units in Lanao have reported not having seen Sinnott in their areas.

Kabalu told AFP by telephone from a rebel base in Mindanao the MILF was trying to locate the priest.

"We are closely coordinating with the government crisis committee tasked to handle the kidnapping," he said.

Peace talks between Manila and the MILF have been stalled since last year, although both sides have declared a ceasefire ahead of resuming negotiations soon.