By Sam Ramos
Authorities have filed criminal charges for kidnapping and serious illegal detention against suspects linked to the October 17 abduction of American citizen Elliot Eastman in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte. The case was filed on Tuesday afternoon, October 29, at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Police Brigadier General Bowenn Joey Masauding, Regional Director of Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula and head of the Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) “Eastman,” stated that three of the principal suspects are already in custody; two surrendered while one was apprehended in a pursuit operation. Additionally, authorities have identified three other suspects believed to have direct involvement in the case.
The charges stemmed from extrajudicial confessions by two suspects, who claimed Eastman was taken in exchange for ransom. However, the exact amount of ransom remains undisclosed. Eastman, a Vermont native married to a resident of Sibuco, was reportedly shot in the leg by one of the abductors after resisting before being taken by boat from their home on the coast of Barangay Poblacion.
Masauding confirmed that coordinated efforts among various agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and Philippine Coast Guard, have been essential in identifying and pursuing the suspects. Authorities continue their search for Eastman across the Zamboanga Peninsula and surrounding areas, and the reward for information has been increased to PhP 500, 000, bolstered by contributions from local officials.
Sibuco Mayor Joel Ventura has also pledged PhP 150, 000 for information leading to Eastman’s location or the boat used in the abduction.