LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — Mary Jones returned Friday from the Philippines, assured that government officials are doing everything possible to free her sister and brother-in-law, who have been held by rebels for eight months.

        Ms. Jones, a counselor at Liberty Junior School, had hoped to visit her sister Gracia Burnham and Gracia's husband, Martin, during her weeklong visit. She met with government officials, and appealed for the couple's release over Radio Mindanao Network. The Burnhams, missionaries from Kansas, are being held on Basilan island.

        Abu Sayyaf, believed to be linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network, kidnapped the Burnhams, a California man and 17 Filipinos from a resort in May. There have been no sightings of her sister in more than a month, Ms. Jones said.

        And though she did not get the chance to speak with Mrs. Burnham, “I'm quite comfortable the embassy and state department are moving ahead with my sister's case, and that their focus and energy are on her,” she said.

        Ms. Jones said she is confident the couple can handle captivity.

        “They have a lot of faith and trust in God. They're strong, resilient people.”

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