In a troubling turn of events‚ Philippine authorities are currently searching for an American citizen who was reportedly taken by an armed group in the southern part of the country. The incident which happened yesterday‚ has sparked a wide-ranging investigation.
Elliot Onil Eastman a 26-year-old from Vermont was allegedly abducted from Sibuco town in Zamboanga del Norte province. According to reports‚ Eastman tried to escape but was shot in the leg before being forcibly put into a speedboat.
The regional police stated‚ “We confirm that there was a report of the alleged abduction of an American national; We want to assure the public particularly the community of Sibuco that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim“
A local resident‚ Abdulmali Hamsiran Jala‚ told police that four men dressed in black (who claimed to be officers) took Eastman. The group armed with M16 rifles fled southward possibly towards Basilan or Sulu provinces.
This incident brings back memories of a time roughly two decades ago‚ when Muslim armed groups like Abu Sayyaf frequently kidnapped Western tourists and missionaries in the region. However such occurrences have decreased significantly due to persistent military and police efforts.
With mid-term elections coming up next year‚ thereʼs concern that crimes like kidnappings might increase. Some rogue politicians have been known to use such methods to fund their campaigns in the past
The U.S Embassy in Manila hasnt responded to questions about the reported abduction yet. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their search for Eastman