PNP: Suspect says kidnapped US vlogger Eastman dead

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said security elements, including the Philippine military, have been searching for the possible body of Elliot Eastman, after one of the suspects in the American vlogger's abduction said he may be dead. 

''Kinonfirm po nila na patay na, patay po si Eastman. Lumalabas po na noong hapon po na siya po ay in-abduct po, dalawa po ang naging tama nito, sa hita po at sa may tiyan,'' PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing Thursday.

(They confirmed that Eastman is dead, and that on the afternoon he was abducted, he was shot twice, in the thigh and the stomach.)

According to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9), the task group investigating the abduction obtained the information from a witness who said Eastman was shot when he tried to resist as four men forced him into a banca. 

The witness also reportedly said Eastman died in the banca, and that the abductors threw his body into the sea.

''Based nga po doon sa revelations ng isa sa mga suspek ay namatay nga po on the day na in-abduct po si Eastman at habang nasa bangka ay itinapon po ito sa gitna ng dagat. Unfortunately po hanggang ngayon po ay pinagtutulungan pa rin po ng combined elements po ng PNP at Armed Forces of the Philippines 'yung bangkay po nitong si Eastman po,'' Fajardo added. 

(One of the suspects revealed that Eastman died on the day he was abducted and that they threw his body into the sea from the banca. Unfortunately, to this day the combined elements of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are searching for Eastman's body.)

Fajardo added that the authorities had already located the boat used during the abduction. 

Last month, three people allegedly linked to his kidnapping were killed in an encounter in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The suspects were identified as Mursid Ahod, Abdul Sahibad, and Fahad Sahibad.

Meanwhile, kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints have been filed against the other suspects, with three of them already in police custody.

The US Embassy in Manila said in a brief statement that it is already coordinating with local authorities regarding this latest report. 

It declined to provide further comment due to privacy considerations.

''The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide assistance to US citizens in need and to their families,'' the US Embassy said. — with a report from GMA Regional TV/BM, GMA Integrated News