Authorities have identified persons of interest in the abduction of American vlogger Elliot Eastman who was taken by armed men in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

According to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9), investigators have gathered descriptions and names of alleged perpetrators.

“Meron po tayong mga descriptions niyan; may mga pangalan na rin tayo. Ini-study natin ngayon kung kanino grupo ito, but we cannot divulge as of this time,”PRO-9 Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Helen Galvez, said.

Four armed men reportedly barged into Eastman’s house in Barangay Poblacion on October 17, 2024 and shot his leg when he refused to go with them.

The suspects allegedly introduced themselves as law enforcers.

Eastman was then forced to board a banca, which may have headed to Sulu or Basilan.

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

“Aside sa mga four (armed men) na pumasok, may mga nahanap tayong mga witnesses doon although hindi pa talaga natin nako-connect kung anong grupo ito. And meron pa rin tayong persons of interest sa ibang anggulo na makikita natin,” Galvez added.

Police said the family of the victim has yet to receive a ransom demand from the perpetrators.

Agents of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have also started investigating the incident and have visited Eastman’s family.

“Tinanong natin doon sa agent na wala pa pong contact anyone sa US. Walang any demand for ransom,” Galvez said.

Prior to the abduction, Eastman said in his vlogs in September 2024 that he has received death threats.