ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has started looking into the October 17 abduction of American Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte.
FBI agents arrived in Sibuco town on October 19 and interviewed Eastman’s wife in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion. They also met with Mayor Joel Ventura, local police, and Barangay Chairman Merjan Caril.
Ventura said the local government is coordinating closely with US authorities and law enforcement groups, and utilizing all available resources to ensure Eastman’s safe return.
Investigators are looking into reports that Eastman’s abduction may be linked to his marriage to a local woman, who was previously in a relationship with a Sama Sibuco indigenous man who wanted her back.
A video he posted on his YouTube channel on September 28 indicated that he had security concerns. The video was titled, “Living in the Philippines most dangerous area as an American.”
The town released a statement condemning the abduction, calling it a “cowardly attack on a defenseless man” and declaring that “such acts have no place in a civilized society.”
Eastman, a 26-year-old vlogger from Hinesburg, Vermont, was abducted by an armed group on the night of October 17.
Sibuco police chief Joseph Villarino said Eastman was dragged from his wife’s home, shot in the leg when he resisted, and forced into a boat that sped off to sea. Authorities believed the group may be headed toward Basilan in the Bangsamoro region or any of the islands in the Sulu archipelago.
In a statement on Friday, October 18, the US embassy said, “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.”
Former mayor Norbideiri Edding said Eastman married the woman about five months ago after losing his money to another woman in Zamboanga City, whom he had initially planned to marry.
Caril, the barangay chairman, said Eastman converted to Islam and had been living in a poor area of Sibuco with his wife. – Rappler.com