ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Suspected Abu Sayyaf members released Sunday night a Philippine-born American they kidnapped in Basilan after more than two months in captivity.
Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat presented American Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, 42, in a press conference yesterday.
The suspects are still holding Lunsmann’s son Kevin Eric, 14, and her Filipino nephew Romnick Jakaria, 19.
Lobregat said the kidnappers have informed the husband of Lunsmann about the release of the hostage.
“The situation appeared that only one will be released and the life of other one we will make sure will be the priority,” Lobregat told newsmen.
But he could not say if the Lunsmann family paid ransom before the hostage was released. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a $10 million ransom for the release of the two Lunsmanns.
The Lunsmanns, both residents of Virginia, USA, were on their vacation at a beachfront property on Tictabon Island near Zamboanga City when 14 gunmen seized them on July 12 and brought them to Basilan.
Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Lunsmann was released around 10:45 p.m. at the vicinity of Barangay Poblacion in Maluso town.
Cabangbang said an unidentified man who was wearing a ski mask brought Lunsmann at the Maluso wharf on board a motorized banca.
The victim was airlifted by helicopter around 3 a.m. and she arrived at the Westmincom where Lobregat met her briefly while American soldiers belonging to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) secured the victim.
The US Embassy in Manila confirmed and welcomed Lunsmann’s release.
“We commend the diligent, professional and effective efforts of everyone involved in securing Mrs. Lunsmann’s release,” the embassy said in a statement. – With PIA Lee-Brago, AP