Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are now working on the reported abduction of American vlogger Elliot Eastman, who was reportedly kidnapped in Zamboanga Del Norte this week.
He said the police are in hot pursuit of the perpetrators.
“From the latest information, it doesn’t sound like a kidnapping yet kasi wala pang ransom demand in actuality. Parang merong local na hidwaan doon sa community, parang hindi pagkakasundo (There seems to be a misunderstanding in the community),” Remulla said.
“Anyway, we’re still treating this as a kidnapping and the police are in hot pursuit of the perpetrators,” he added.
Military, Coast Guard team up
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are also collaborating in the search for Eastman.
Reports said the AFP and PCG are conducting coastal patrols in the area where Eastman was reportedly abducted. On October 17, he was allegedly shot in the leg by four assailants before being taken away by boat.
AFP spokesperson Police Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla stated that they are fully prepared for the tracking and pursuit operations. She emphasized the AFP’s commitment to neutralizing these threats domestically.
Persons of interest
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified two persons of interest related to Eastman’s disappearance. The US Embassy is actively working with local authorities in the search but has not disclosed further details for privacy reasons. “When a US citizen goes missing, we collaborate closely with local authorities and maintain open communication with families,” the embassy noted.
In support of the investigation, the local government of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, has offered a total reward of P150,000 for information regarding Eastman’s abduction.
The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) praised this initiative, offering P50,000 for information about the boat used by the kidnappers and P100,000 for details that could lead to Eastman’s safe recovery.
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