COURAGEOUS Wexford priest, Fr. Mal Sinnott has returned to his missionary work in the Philippines' city where he was kidnapped late last year.

The Barntown priest returned to his mission in Pagadian City last Monday, just three months after being kidnapped by Moro rebels.

80 year old Fr. Sinnott immediately returned to a charity house he founded for children on his return to Pagadian, and has vowed to keep working for them while his health allows him.

' I would like to do the little bit I can for as long as I can, he said.

Fr. Sinnott is part of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, and he underwent a harrowing kidnap ordeal late last year. He was taken by six Moro rebels, operating in the Lanao province, on October 11.

Following his release, Fr. Mal returned to Wexford for a two month stay, but was anxious and adamant about returning to his community in the Philippines and his missionary work.

Speaking this week from the Philippines he said he was happy to be back doing his job.

' It's very nice to be back and I am looking forward to going back to my work in Pagadian,' he said.