US embassy cites Philippine gov’t execs for release of Fil-Am woman

MANILA, Philippines—The US Embassy in Manila on Monday confirmed the release of naturalized American Gerfa Yeates Lunsmann, who was held nearly three months by her kidnappers in an undisclosed location in southwestern Mindanao.

In a statement, the embassy said “this outcome could not have occurred without the concerted efforts of Philippine government officials.”

The mission also cited 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.

However, there was no word from the mission about Lunsmann’s 14-year-old son, Kevin Eric, and Romnick Jackaria, another relative, who were also taken by the kidnappers on July 12.

Lunsmann, 43, was born in Pangapuyan, a coastal village in Zamboanga City.

When she was nine, she was adopted by an American couple. She grew up in Virginia.

Gerfa has visited Zamboanga City at least five times since 2007, Lobregat told reporters.

Following the Lunsmanns’ kidnapping, the embassy revised in late July its travel warning for the Philippines.

In the new travel advisory, which replaced the one it issued on November 2, 2010, the mission said “kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners.”

“US citizens traveling, living and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places,” it said.

The embassy also warned Americans against the “risks of terrorist activities,” particularly in the Sulu Archipelago and other parts of Mindanao.

“Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in other areas, including Manila,” it said as it also asked US nationals to “exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao where regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and deaths.”