Zamboanga del Norte, October 25, 2024 — The reward for any information leading to the safe recovery of American kidnap victim Elliot Onil Eastman has now reached ₱500,000, following an additional ₱350,000 contribution from Zamboanga del Norte 3rd District Congressman Adrian Amatong. Eastman, a former U.S. Marine and vlogger residing in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, was abducted on the night of October 17 by four armed men.
Initially, the Sibuco local government, led by Mayor Joel Ventura, offered a reward of ₱150,000: ₱50,000 for information on the Jungkong pump boat used in the abduction and ₱100,000 for leads on the kidnappers’ location that could aid in Eastman’s safe recovery. With Congressman Amatong’s contribution, the total reward is now ₱500,000, a substantial incentive aimed at encouraging community members to share any information on Eastman’s whereabouts or the identities of his abductors.
A specialized task force, the Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) “Eastman,” and its Sub-Task Group Quick Reaction Team are actively conducting hot pursuit operations in areas where the kidnappers may be hiding. Congressman Amatong expressed hope that the increased reward will bring the case to a swift resolution, urging the public to support the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on Eastman’s location or the suspects’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Sibuco-MPS hotline at 0998-598-6798, CIMTG “Eastman” hotline at 0917-822-1990, or Mayor Joel Ventura at 0917-149-9358. Further contacts include Efraem Roldan, secretary to the mayor, at 0920-940-9658, and the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) hotline at 0998-598-6764.
Authorities are calling on the public’s cooperation to expedite Eastman’s safe return and hold those responsible for his abduction accountable.
