US citizen kidnapped in Zamboanga del Norte — police

Metro Manila, Philippines — Zamboanga police are searching for four armed men who reportedly abducted a US citizen with a gunshot injury on the leg on Thursday evening, Oct. 17.

The police said on Friday, Oct. 18, they received information about the supposed kidnapping in Sitio Tungawan in Sibuco town, Zamboanga del Norte.

"Initial reports indicate that four armed men, falsely presenting themselves as law enforcement officers, forcibly took a 26-year-old American national from his residence," the police said in a statement.

Police said the victim tried to escape but was shot in the leg. He was taken to a boat that headed towards the high seas of Sulu or Basilan.

The Zamboanga police have activated its units, as well as coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, including the military, for the search.

"We want to assure the public, particularly the community of Sibuco, that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim," the regional police said.

“[T]he AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) remains ready and available to support any necessary actions, including tracking and pursuit operations, should the PNP (Philippine National Police) or any other law enforcement unit request our assistance,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

The US embassy said it is “aware of the reports and are coordinating with local authorities.”

“We generally do not comment on reports of potential kidnappings while investigations are ongoing,” it said. “The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad.”

A police report seen by NewsWatch Plus identified the victim as Elliot Onil Eastman. It stated that the kidnappers were four people in black with M16 rifles.