American Kidnapping In The Philippines
You’ve got to be kidding me! I can’t believe what I’m reading. Then again, this poor woman probably had been told by many, “I’ve gone there many times without a problem.” She was probably told that a kidnapping in the Philippines is rare.
The reports around the web are horrible, they don’t give the exact location. The best I’ve been able to find out so far is that they were staying at a relatives home located on a small Island near Zamboanga.
Worse, the compound for the home normally has armed guards because there is Abu Sayyaf in the area. A group known to target American’s. When it comes to this group, the statistics showing that usually locals are kidnapped can be tossed out the window.
It doesn’t sound like she was actually in the Sulu region itself though. It’s hard to tell from the reports I have seen. If she was, that is even more foolish. If you’re American, don’t go there! The last I heard is that the Philippine authorities would not allow foreigners to go there.
UPDATE: Be sure to read the comments as I will be updating them as more accurate information comes out on this kidnapping in the Philippines
It appears that 12 to 14 armed gunmen stormed the beach front home that Gerfa Lunsmann was staying in. They took her, her 14 year old son and a 19 year old nephew. Ms. Lunsmann was born in Germany and adopted by an American couple so she wouldn’t have been mistaken for Filipino. That is what causes me to wonder if she actually made it into the Sulu region. However, I don’t know how authorities could monitor everyone going there. Since she had contact there, she may have made the trip in a small private boat.
However she got there, it was foolish. Heck, I’m not going near the area. Palawan is way to close to the Sulu area for my liking. Even that popular tourist destination warrants some concern. There have been kidnapping there as well and there is an infamous one where a resort was stormed by kidnap for ransom gangs.
Abu Sayyaf Behind Kidnapping In The Philippines?
Abu Sayyaf does have ties with Al-Qaeda, these ties are often down played but from my reading the ties are much stronger than what some wish for us to know. There have been reports that Al-Qaeda is using kidnapping for ransom as way to raise revenue in recent months and looking to increase that. Abu Sayyaf doesn’t like you if you’re an American and if you’re rich they like you even less other than as a way to line their pockets.
It should be said that so far, it is not known which group took kidnapped these American’s. There are other groups here but most of them do not attack civilians.
Though I’m angry that this person went there I do not wish her harm. I wish her all the best and hope for her safe return. I’m not even angry with her, I’ve made too many bad choices in my life to be angry at anyone for a mistake. Wow, what fun it would be to say for a couple of weeks on a remote island beach house in the Philippines. Tempting it would be indeed. I can even see how I could have made the same foolish mistake. This serves as a strong reminder not to go to remote areas in the Southern Philippines.
Yes, I know, many of you have done it and didn’t have a problem. I won’t be one of them. I would go to Eastern Mindanao, I even plan to as soon as fund permit. I have an invitation to visit a Civet farm where the famous Civet coffee undergoes processing. I do not intend to let this opportunity get past me. But it will be a few months before I can make the trip. Hey Bob, I’m coming to see you. It is near Davao and I will be traveling with Filipino when I make the trip. I sure hope nothing prevents me from making it. Would I go wandering around that area without local to guide me? No I would not.
Is it Safe To Live In The Philippines?
I’ve said many times that I feel that living in the Philippines is far safer than living in the USA. There are areas in Memphis that I would never go into. There are areas in Memphis that I feel are more dangerous than the Sulu region and if I had to pick a slum in Memphis or the Sulu region, I would pick Sulu. Well, it might come down to a choice of dying fast or dying slow. Might be slower in Sulu, kidnapping would not be a pleasant experience, the danger in Memphis would be a 45.
I don’t feel much of a threat from a kidnapping in the Philippines but then I wouldn’t do some of the things this person did.
As I’ve said before, do not take the travel warnings for the Philippines as the Gospel but also don’t dismiss them. Going to South West Mindanao, especially in the rural areas probably warrants a few days in a mental hospital. In my opinion, you have to be crazy to go there.
This is the area where foreigners and especially American’s are most likely become another kidnapping in the Philippines statistic.
Tagged with: Abu Sayyaf • Foreigners • Kidnappings In The Philippines • Living In The Philippines
Filed under: Trouble In Mindanao
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You are right about the ties being stronger. My command had boots on the ground there in ’05. I think we need to “loan” a detachment of SeALs to the Philippines so they can clean the place up. In my experience you CAN NOT negotiate with radical muSLIMEs. My ol lady won’t even go down there.
The ties are quite strong and quite significant.
I’m be shocked if the SEALS are not already here. Have been here in an “advisory” role. You see it is illegal in the Philippines for foreign troops to take part in combat operations within the Philippines and there have been accusations that it has happened.
About two years ago a USA unmanned aircraft was shot down in the Southern Philippines. Those things can be flown out of the USA now but I don’t think they can be launched from there. the’d run out of gas.
We could have launched from a carrier though. Or it could be launched locally. I wonder what the chances of our turning these over to the AFP are. I’m pretty sure zip or any other government.
Too much secrecy around them. So who is launching those. Like I said, could be a carrier. I’m sure we have smaller ships that can do it too.
It appears now the earlier news reports were even worse than I thought. Do they just make stuff up? One report for a well known US newspaper said she was German American but that isn’t true.
She is Filipino but has married a US based German.
It is also sounding that she was not far from Zamboanga either. One report said resort but I am pretty sure it was a home of her family. I suppose it could be both a home and a resort.
Really hard to get good information on the kidnapping of this American woman. She is a US citizen. Her being Filipino explains how it would be easier to go to an area virtually declared off limits to foreigners.
I knew her…Correction, I know her. She is a coworker of my mother’s and a phlebotomist at my doctor’s office. I can’t answer many of the questions you guys have, though I probably could if I asked my mother…However, she was…is…a very kind, sweet, wonderful woman and it was always a joy to see her. She knows me and my family and treats everyone who’s blood she draws like they’re important to her. I PRAY we have her back home soon…
I hope she’ll be okay too Kelly. Well, as okay as one can be in a situation like t his.
She’s likely still alive. These people usually do get released but it usually isn’t a short term thing.
IF the AFP know where she is, they’ll get her and probably get her out safely.
So now it is being reported that she owned the resort.
She’s a very pretty Filipina.
Horrible, just horrible.
Okay. she was in the Sulu sea but not in what most would call the Sulu region. She was on what it considered an Island of Zamboanga City known as Tictabon.
Most would say that is a safe area and I have been saying for years it is not safe for a Westerner in that part of the Philippines.
Maybe one needs to be a high value target as it sounds she might be. But she’s getting a ton of press and Abu Sayyaf probably is looking to show they are still a threat, still capable of causing terror.
Don’t go there.
I continue to follow this story, not much new out there that I can find.
The kidnappers spoke with Gerfa Lunsmann husband last week.
What I did find out that they kidnappers are demanding $10 million USD.
Her nephew and son were also taken. The nephew has the same name as someone that was previously involved in kidnap for ransom activities. Police so far do not know if it is the same individual.
Not sure what they were thinking in visiting such a dangerous area. Even native Filipinos(Christians) would not dare travel to the Zamboanga region. Most areas of Mindanao are safe, but there are places where you are clearly risking your life.
It was her home though Benson. I find it completely understandable with that in mind. It wasn’t in the Sulu Area and most people say Zamboanga is safe. Now, I don’t agree with that. And island, even considered part of Zamboanga City seems very risk to me. One hears so often that it is safe, “I’ve been there many times” is what I hear so often, that it would be easy to be lulled into the sense that it is safe. Clearly it wasn’t safe for her.
There is some indication in the press that some of her family might be involved in previous kidnappings. I doubt she knew that. It may not be accurate. If it is, that would likely put her at more risk since they would see her action to go to the states as an enemy since those member are connected to the Abu Sayyaf.
I’m just trying to find a way to see the other side of the story that it is safe. I wouldn’t go to that area unless I had a very compelling reason to do so. Having a home there could be a compelling reason.
She also had security, of course they were no match for a para-military operation. Some teachers were kidnapped in that general area a while back.
I’m trying to be objective but I wouldn’t go there.
Our family has been devastated since learning of Gerfa and Kevin Lunsmann’s abduction. They live in our neighborhood. And we all live very meger lives. This is just unthinkable. My nephew and Kevin are dearest friend’s. Kevin even has a key to our home. I pray with Ramadan beginning, if any way possible, Gerfa and Kevin will return home soon
I know everyone’s prayers will work. I just can’t allow myself to believe this could turn out very badly. If you knew how precious that 14 year old boy is and the grief his father is in, then anyone reading this would be heartbroken.
June, wow so you know her son well.
I’m not surprised to see family and friends finding their way here.
It is very sad indeed.
Most of the times people do get released. Hold on to that thought and that she will return unharmed too. Most are.
When you know someone that gets into trouble, even if they deserve it which your friends didn’t, it is very hard.
Knowing that is where her roots are also makes it very easy to understand why she wanted to visit.
I’m curious, is Gerfa Muslim too? Since she was born in the area (if the last reports are accurate) it would be quite possible. I see so much unjustified hate thrown at all Muslims lately. I’m even concerned about bringing up the subject for fear of what some of my readers might say. A lot of stupid things have been said lately. If she is Muslim I think it might be enlightening to some people.
I hate to hear about the meager existence. That would of course mean the family has no hope of coming up with 10 million dollars.
of course I wish the victims, their family and friends nothing but good wishes.
It must be very frustrating as there is so little any of us can do. I feel the frustration yet I don’t know them. Knowing the victims would make it much harder.
Rusty, I know that Gerfa practiced the Muslim religion at one time. We asked her son last year which god did they believe in and he said Allah. It was something they talked very little about. Unfortunately they may have been afraid of repercussions due to their faith. Particularly since this is a highly populated area of Christian faith. Now, how ironic that Gerfa visits her loved ones in her homeland and takes her boy to visit as well, and Muslims kidnap them. I just wish so much that Kevin could be home to start high school the end of this month. I am very concerned for Kevin’s friends as well. They miss him so much. The age of these children makes it so hard to grasp all that is happening. Kevin is that kind of person that everyone likes…he loves soda and anything sweet. He loves to skateboard and shoot basketball with my nephew. Kevin loves to play video games. He has a dry sense of humor and is hilarious. He will help bring in my groceries if here when I arrive. He is not lazy. And he is a really good student. And he cannot stand to go without showering.
Gerfa and her husband are very hard working people. And Mr. Lunsmann is devastated over all of this. He looks worn and wary. I just want to keep the updates going so no one will forget this horrible thing.
June, yes please do keep us remembering. I check from time to time to see if I can find out anything new.
The first reports were so wrong. Not surprising since anything I ever witnessed was reported so correctly in the press. Sounds like only the Philippines press got it close to correct.
Yes, at that age, it is not possible for kids to fully understand. I hope Mr. Lunsmann is not blaming himself as people are so apt to do. He couldn’t have prevented if it was there. In fact, he would have probably been the first one harmed. Keep in mind the last time people were kidnapped there that was high profile, the people did come back.
I don’t know a lot about Islam but what I have personally read is that Mohammad (I’m not sure I even spelled it right, sorry) taught choice. It is clear that Jehovah (I’m Christian, not a Witness) also gave us a choice. It seems to me that when we hate in the name of our God we badly miss the point. I suppose the conflicts are destined to get worse. Christians seem to forget we have a pretty horrific past and we still have our extremist today too.
In any case, I’m glad you’re here to remind us and add a human touch to this. Kids are strong, it will take time to heal body and mind after it is over. We can all hope and pray that it will end as well as it can. I guess I worry even more about Mrs. Lunsmann since she is female in the hands of men that appear evil to me. For a parent, nothing could be more devastating than the loss of a child. The not knowing must be horrible for him. I just can’t fully imagine his level of frustration.
I’m convinced the SEALs are here helping in the conflict. When they find out where these people are and they will find out, they will get them out.
There has been a new kidnapping in the Philippines that has made headlines. This time is is a Filipina.
My son and I also know Kevin and Gerfa, Kevin spent 2-3 weekends a month at my house….there has to be more to this than what is being said….my son has heard reports that kevin has been seen in general population so question is who has really been kidnapped here? He did not want to go but Gerfa made him….emphasis on the word made.
Wow, that’s a pretty drastic thing to say based on your son hearing something. Pretty vicious attack if you ask me. Figures you’d post behind a fake name.
Hey Tommy, pretty strong accusation that person made, I probably should have deleted it. It is without merit.
The woman husband is said to be in negotiations with the kidnappers. And the local government seems to be aware of that. Mostly what I read though doesn’t seem to have a lot of facts behind it. Some, but not a lot. The finger is now pointed at a “renegade” MILF commander and not Abu Sayyaf. That would really make more sense considering the area where it happened. But probably not correct to say MILF either as it is the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement. My take is that the commander is no longer part of MILF?
Kevin’s best friend was interviewed by the local news station the day of the kidnapping. He stated that Kevin did not want to go, that he was afraid something would happen to them while they were there. My daughter also knows his best friend and he told her the same thing.
Good news, Mrs. Lunsman has been released:
However Kevin and Romrick are still being held. It is really good news to hear that the one is safe. But the ordeal is not yet over.
I have known Gerfa since college, and then afterward we worked together for several years. Gerfa was visiting family, which I heard she does every year. She was born in the Phillipines and adopted by an older family member as a child, who brought her to the US. Her husband is German. The last I was around Gerfa much, which granted has been quite a few years ago, she was not a practicing Muslim.
The boy recently escaped and is now free.
Planning a trip with my wife to Surigao Del Norte in April/May time frame. She has family there. Being an American I’m a bit apprehensive. Much of the concern has been in the Central Southe western areas of Mindanao. My wife’s home town in in the far northeastern part of the Island. Kidnappng is our primary concern.
That isn’t a real bad area. Bombs did go off in that area a few years ago and that’s the only time I hard of anything like that. You’re getting closer to trouble but I wouldn’t be hugely alarmed being that far north.
Bad stuff can happen any place but that area, as far as I know, is not a major threat for being kidnapped.
Thanks for the info. We are looking forward to the trip.