By Philippine police have initiated a search operation following reports that an American national was abducted by gunmen in the southern coastal town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte province. The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, has reignited concerns about the long-standing security issues plaguing the southern Philippines.
The victim, identified as Elliot Onil Eastman, a 26-year-old from Vermont, was reportedly shot in the leg while resisting his captors before being taken away by speedboat. This event, if confirmed as a kidnapping for ransom, underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, which is home to a Muslim minority in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.
According to police reports seen by The Associated Press, a local resident, Abdulmali Hamsiran Jala, informed authorities that four men dressed in black and armed with M16 rifles forcibly took Eastman. The assailants allegedly introduced themselves as police officers before abducting the American. After shooting Eastman in the leg, the gunmen dragged him into a speedboat and fled southward, possibly towards the provinces of Basilan or Sulu.
The regional police issued a statement confirming the reported abduction and assuring the public that they are “doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim.” They have urged the community to come forward with any information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
While authorities have not provided extensive background information on Eastman, social media posts suggest he may have recently married a Muslim woman in Sibuco. The U.S. Embassy in Manila has not yet responded to inquiries about the reported abduction.
This incident recalls the region’s history of kidnappings and security threats, particularly those associated with groups like the Abu Sayyaf. This organization, listed as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and Philippines, has been responsible for numerous kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks over the past two decades, often targeting Western tourists and missionaries.
Despite significant progress in recent years, including a 2014 peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and military offensives that have weakened groups like Abu Sayyaf, the southern Philippines continues to face security challenges. The region’s rich resources contrast sharply with its persistent poverty and ongoing insurgencies.
As the Philippines prepares for mid-term elections next year, there are concerns that such incidents could increase. Historically, crimes including kidnappings and extortion have spiked during pre-election periods as some rogue politicians seek to raise campaign funds. However, authorities note that such incidents have become less frequent in recent years.
This abduction serves as a stark reminder of the complex security landscape in the southern Philippines and the ongoing efforts required to ensure safety in the region.
AP
