US Embassy confirms release of US citizen kidnapped in Zamboanga

The United States Embassy on Monday confirmed the release of US citizen Gerfa Lunsmann who was kidnapped during a visit to Mindanao in July and held in captivity for two months. In a statement, the US Embassy said, "This outcome could not have occurred without the concerted efforts of Philippine government officials and the personal engagement of Mayor Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City." We commend the diligent, professional, and effective efforts of everyone involved in securing Mrs. Lunsmann's release," the embassy added. On Radyo Mo Nationwide on Monday, Lobregat said Lunsmann was freed but her abductors are still holding her 14-year-old son. They were vacationing in Tictabon Island when armed men abducted them. It was earlier reported that the abductors had demanded a $10-million ransom in exchange for the victims' release. The RMN report said there was no confirmation on whether ransom was paid for the release of Lunsmann. - VVP, GMA News