American Allegedly Kidnapped in the Phillippines

American Allegedly Kidnapped in the Phillippines

The alleged kidnapping of American Elliot Onil Eastman in the Philippines has triggered an international search and investigation.

At a Glance

  • Elliot Onil Eastman, an American, was allegedly kidnapped by armed men in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.
  • Eastman was reportedly shot in the leg before being taken in a speedboat.
  • The U.S. embassy and local Philippine authorities are coordinating the search for Eastman.
  • Elliot Eastman was married to a local and had been living in the area for several months.
  • FBI agents are on the ground assisting in the investigation.

The Kidnapping Incident

An incident involving American Elliot Onil Eastman took place in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, where he was allegedly abducted. On a Thursday night, armed men reportedly shot Eastman in the leg and whisked him away by speedboat. This area is notorious for kidnappings and violence, and there is speculation this could be a ransom attempt.

Local police confirmed that the perpetrators were dressed as police officers and armed with M16 rifles. Efforts are underway to track and recover Eastman, with the involvement of local and U.S. authorities.

About Elliot Eastman

Elliot Eastman, a 26-year-old YouTuber from Vermont known as “ElliotBeastman,” was recently abducted, according to reports. Having relocated to the Philippines after marrying a local woman about five months ago, Eastman chronicled his life through his YouTube channel, which describes him as a one-and-a-half-year resident of the Philippines.

CBS News reported that if the incident is in fact a ransom kidnapping, it would just be the latest incident to highlight existing security issues in the southern part of the country.

In a YouTube video titled “Living in the Philippines most dangerous area as an American,” he voiced security concerns, demonstrating awareness of the potential risks in the region.

Response and Investigation

Authorities are taking extensive measures to help Eastman return safely. The FBI and local Philippine police are coordinating efforts on the ground. FBI agents arrived in Sibuco on October 19, meeting with Eastman’s wife and local officials. Investigators are considering the possibility of ransom as a motive, although no demands have been made to date.

“We are aware of the reports and are coordinating with local authorities. We generally do not comment on reports of potential kidnappings while investigations are ongoing. The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad,” the U.S. Embassy stated.

Security concerns in the region are significant, with a history of activities by groups such as Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnappings and violence. However, it is not confirmed if Eastman’s alleged captors are affiliated with any known terrorist group.

Sources

  1. FBI agents arrive in Zamboanga del Norte, look into American’s abduction
  2. American YouTuber shot and kidnapped in Philippines after marrying local women
  3. American reportedly kidnapped in Philippines and shot in leg as he resisted
  4. American reportedly kidnapped in Philippine coastal town; police investigating