An American citizen, Elliot Eastman, is believed to have been killed shortly after his abduction in the Philippines. This information was disclosed by the Philippine National Police, following the testimony from one of the suspects in custody. The investigation reveals a history of risks for foreigners in the region, though recent years have seen a decline in such incidents.
Tragic Fate of American in Philippines: Authorities Confirm Believed Death
Tragic Fate of American in Philippines: Authorities Confirm Believed Death
Police in the Philippines conclude that Elliot Eastman, an American abducted in October, most likely died during the kidnapping, based on suspect statements.
Elliot Eastman, an American living in the Philippines, was shot and abducted from the island of Mindanao in October, with police now believing he was likely killed during the incident. The Philippine National Police reported on Thursday that, following the apprehension of four suspects connected to the case, they had evidence suggesting Eastman died on the day of his abduction. Jean Fajardo, a police spokeswoman, noted that the information was derived from one suspect's testimony.
Eastman, who had been residing in Sibuco, a coastal town in Zamboanga del Norte Province, was taken from his home on October 17 by men posing as police officers. The assailants, identified as wearing black clothing and face coverings, shot Eastman twice—once in the leg and once in the stomach—before forcibly taking him away on a boat.
As of now, Eastman's body has not been recovered; police theorize that it may have been disposed of overboard after his death. The kidnapping was initially reported by his father-in-law, AbdulMali Hamsiran Jala, who witnessed the violent assault. Eastman, 26, had moved to the Philippines in May and frequently shared his experiences on social media, including YouTube, where he expressed love for his new home.
The region of Mindanao has been recognized for being potentially dangerous for foreign travelers, though reports of abductions have decreased due to weakened militant groups over the past decade. Despite this decline, the U.S. government, among others, continues to issue advisories urging caution for citizens who travel to the region. Philippine military officials have attributed recent kidnappings to insurgent groups still active in the southern territories of the country.
Eastman, who had been residing in Sibuco, a coastal town in Zamboanga del Norte Province, was taken from his home on October 17 by men posing as police officers. The assailants, identified as wearing black clothing and face coverings, shot Eastman twice—once in the leg and once in the stomach—before forcibly taking him away on a boat.
As of now, Eastman's body has not been recovered; police theorize that it may have been disposed of overboard after his death. The kidnapping was initially reported by his father-in-law, AbdulMali Hamsiran Jala, who witnessed the violent assault. Eastman, 26, had moved to the Philippines in May and frequently shared his experiences on social media, including YouTube, where he expressed love for his new home.
The region of Mindanao has been recognized for being potentially dangerous for foreign travelers, though reports of abductions have decreased due to weakened militant groups over the past decade. Despite this decline, the U.S. government, among others, continues to issue advisories urging caution for citizens who travel to the region. Philippine military officials have attributed recent kidnappings to insurgent groups still active in the southern territories of the country.
