American Man Abducted in Southern Philippines

Elliot Onil Eastman, a Vermont native, was reportedly shot and taken by speedboat from Sibuco town, prompting a widespread search by local authorities.

The 26-year-old American, Elliot Onil Eastman, was reportedly kidnapped by four armed men posing as police officers in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.
Eastman was shot in the leg while resisting the abduction and was taken away in a speedboat, with the suspects fleeing towards the provinces of Basilan or Sulu.
Local police and Philippine marine units have launched a search operation and are seeking public assistance for any information regarding the incident.
Eastman, who had been living in the Philippines for about five months, reportedly married a local woman in Sibuco, according to social media posts.
The abduction raises concerns about ongoing security issues in the southern Philippines, a region with a history of kidnappings and insurgency despite recent improvements.