ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Police have filed kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints against six people linked to the October 17 abduction of American national Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte.
Three of the suspects are currently in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed the filing of the complaints on Tuesday, October 29, adding that the three detained suspects had identified three accomplices who remain at large.
“Based on their statements, the three in custody were directly involved in the abduction of the American national,” Fajardo said.
She hinted that more suspects, still unidentified, may have been involved as accessories.
Police in the Zamboanga Peninsula reported that efforts are ongoing to locate the 26-year-old Eastman, with intensive search operations underway.
“We have activated all available resources to address the situation,” read part of a PNP-Zamboanga Peninsula statement.
The statement also indicated that the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the region, along with teams from the police’s regional and Zamboanga del Norte offices, are focusing on the case.
As the search for Eastman intensifies, netizens have expressed concern for his safety and hope for his safe return. The American, according to the police, was shot in the leg on the night of his abduction.
Reports suggest that Eastman’s abduction may be tied to personal conflicts involving his wife, Karisha Jala, and her former partner, who is now a person of interest in the case. Residents claim the ex-partner, whose identity has not been disclosed, may have wished to rekindle his relationship with Jala, seeing Eastman as an obstacle.
Sibuco Mayor Joel Ventura has offered a reward of up to P150,000 for information that could lead authorities to Eastman’s whereabouts. So far, no leads have emerged regarding his location.
Eastman, a YouTuber, had previously voiced concerns about his safety in a video posted on social media. His wife and her family have not publicly commented on his disappearance. – Rappler.com