2 more suspects in Eastman abduction identified

Authorities have identified two more suspects in the alleged abduction of American content creator Elliot Eastman in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

Police, initially, identified six suspects.

Eastman was abducted by four armed men from his house on October 17, 2024. He was shot in the leg when he refused to go with them. He was then forced to board a banca.

On October 29, police took into custody three of six suspects who allegedly served as ‘point men.’ Two of the suspects surrendered while the third was arrested at his house in Sibuco.

Aside from the six suspects, authorities have identified two more suspects through the information and evidence provided by the witnesses.

Police said the two are residents of Region 9. Their names and their alleged participation in the abduction have been withheld as the search for Eastman continues.

“(Noong Biyernes), nagkaroon ng supplemental case filing against another two identified suspects who directly participated sa kidnapping ni Mr. Elliot. Iba ito, identified sila, pero still at-large pa rin, nadagdagan lang sa three na at-large, so 5 sila ngayon,” PRO-9 Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Helen Galvez, said.

Eastman has been living in the province for nearly five months after he got married to a resident in the area.

—GMA Regional TV