Zamboanga del Norte – An American national, identified as Elliott Onil Eastman, was kidnapped by armed men on the evening of October 16, 2024, in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte. Eastman, originally from Hinesburg, Vermont, USA, is married to a local woman from Sibuco, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a group of armed men forcibly entered Eastman’s residence in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion. Witnesses reported that Eastman was taken by the assailants and loaded into a white vehicle. The current whereabouts of Eastman remain unknown, and local law enforcement is actively investigating the case.
Authorities suspect that the notorious Abu Sayyaf group may be behind the abduction, given their history of kidnappings in the region. However, no group has officially claimed responsibility as of now.
Local police are urging anyone with information about Eastman’s kidnapping or his current location to come forward and contact law enforcement immediately. The authorities are calling for the public’s cooperation, emphasizing that any assistance could be vital in securing his safe return.
Residents of Sibuco and surrounding areas are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities as investigations continue.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the region, particularly for foreign nationals residing in remote areas of Mindanao, which has a history of insurgency and criminal activities. Local officials have assured the public that efforts are underway to ensure Eastman’s safe recovery.
