The local government of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte will give a monetary reward for information about the abduction of American national Elliot Eastman.

Mayor Joel Ventura said P50,000 is allocated for anyone who can provide information about the banca reportedly used to kidnap Eastman. Meanwhile, P100,000 is allocated for anyone who can tip authorities on Eastman’s whereabouts.

The local government condemned the incident and believes the monetary reward may help locate the victim quickly.

“Para madali maresolba yung pagrecover sa biktima, sabi ko magbigay ako ng reward kung sino man makapagturo kung saan yung naroon yung victim. ..una sino makapagturo ng bangka kung saan isinakay yung biktima, bigay ko ng P50,000. Pangalawa, magturo kung saan yung victim bigay ako ng P100,000,” Ventura said.

Eastman was abducted by four armed men who barged into his house in Barangay Poblacion on October 17, 2024.

His leg was shot after he refused to go with the suspects who allegedly introduced themselves as law enforcers. Eastman was then forced to board a banca.

The banca used was allegedly not registered and the suspects may have yet to exit the province.

“Actually, yung mga bangka dito sa Sibuco, rehistrado po ito sa LGU. Yung ginamit, hindi registrado,” Ventura said.

Police lauded the move of the local government.

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

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