MEDIA STATEMENT REGARDING ROBERT YOUNG PELTON

From John Rasmus, Editor in Chief, National Geographic ADVENTURE

Recent news reports out of Central America indicate that Robert Young Pelton, a freelance journalist who periodically contributes to ADVENTURE Magazine, is, along with two traveling companions, in the custody of Colombian paramilitaries somewhere in the Darien Gap region, a remote jungle area in Panama, near the Colombian border. Part of Pelton's work in the area relates to a project he proposed for ADVENTURE magazine. News stories have quoted the paramilitary leaders as having picked up the three individuals "for their safety", given the hostilities in the area. Late breaking wire reports today suggest that the three individuals may be released shortly. While details are sketchy, we have been in contact with his family as well as government authorities and are closely monitoring the situation through U.S. officials. We're hopeful that the situation will be resolved quickly and peacefully.

Contact: Caryn Davidson
+1 212 790 9032
cdavidso@ngs.org

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