US gov't working with PH authorities in search for abducted American vlogger

The government of the United States is working closely with local authorities in the Philippines in searching for the American Elliot Eastman, who was abducted in Zamboanga Del Norte, the US Embassy said in a statement.

“When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we make every effort to keep lines of communication open with families,” the US Embassy said in a statement.

“The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad,” the statement further read.

However, the US Embassy did not give further details on the search operation due to privacy matters.

“We are monitoring the situation. However, due to privacy and other considerations we have no further comment at this time,” it said.

Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) on Friday confirmed that the 26-year-old American was abducted by four men who introduced themselves as law enforcers the day before, Oct. 17.

Eastman was taken from the house of his in-laws in a sitio in the municipality of Sibuco.

In his previous livestream, Eastman talked about "not being liked" in their area and possible threats.

PRO-9 spokesperson Police Colonel Helen Galvez told Dobol B TV in an interview that authorities are still determining the group behind the abduction.

In a separate statement, the PRO-9 said the 26-year-old American national resisted against the perpetrators but he was shot in the leg and brought to a boat which headed to the high seas.

The American national, married to a Filipino woman, has been in the Philippines for five months, Galvez said.

Authorities have yet to receive any information on possible ransom or demand in connection with the kidnapping of the American national, Galvez added.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP are working together to catch the suspects.

“Currently on active hot pursuit ang elements natin. ‘Yung mga talk na nagpakilalang pulis, tsismis pa rin yan as far as I am concerned,” he said.

(Our elements are currently on active hot pursuit. The talks of the suspects introducing themselves as police are still rumors, as far as I am concerned.) —KG, GMA Integrated News