The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues its investigation into the kidnapping of American vlogger Elliot Onil Eastman in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.
According to Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) director, authorities have identified persons of interest.
However, they are still verifying reports to confirm the suspects’ involvement with known threat groups.
“We are validating leads to ensure we are tracking the right group and building a solid case,” said Masauding. “Our team is working around the clock to locate the victim and his captors.”
The abduction occurred on October 17, when four armed men, posing as police officers and carrying M-16 rifles, took Eastman.
He was allegedly shot before being taken onto a waiting boat by the suspects.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police are on alert, suspecting the kidnappers are heading toward the waters of Sulu or Basilan.
Authorities are investigating possible links to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), known for its history of kidnappings.
Eastman, originally from Hinesburg, Vermont, USA, is a popular vlogger documenting his daily life in Zamboanga del Norte.
He has thousands of followers on his social media platforms.
He is married to a Filipina from the area and had been living in the community for several months before the incident.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila confirmed it is working closely with local authorities on Eastman’s case.
The US Department of State emphasized that the safety and well-being of American citizens abroad is their top priority.