US hostage, 14, escapes in Philippine jungle

Kevin Lunsmann, 14, told his four armed captors that he would take a bath in a stream and then made a dash for freedom Friday in Basilan province, police Senior Supt. Edwin de Ocampo said. He followed a river down a mountain until villagers found him late the next day, de Ocampo said.Exhausted, hungry and still stunned, the boy initially fled from the villagers, de Ocampo said.He was in fear so there was a bit of a chase before the villagers convinced him that they were friends, de Ocampo told The Associated Press. He said the boy was fine, but was exhausted and had bruises on his arms and feet.Initial reports had said the boy was freed by his captors.Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said he has been flown to Manila and turned over to U.S. officials there.U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas said the boy would be reunited with his family soon.In this holiday season nothing makes me happier than knowing that an innocent victim is returned to his family in time for holiday celebrations, Thomas said in a statement. I also want to acknowledge the courage of Kevin himself, and his family, throughout this long ordeal.