PNP nabs 3 suspects in kidnapping of American in Zamboanga del Norte

Elliot Onil Eastman —File photo from the Facebook post of MUDZNA ALI

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspects linked to the abduction of a 26-year-old American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte on October 17 are already under police custody.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said she received the update on Elliot Onil Eastman’s case from the regional director of Zamboanga Peninsula on Tuesday.

READ: Persons of interest identified in Zamboanga abduction of US Citizen

“Last October 27, one of the persons of interest sent surrender feelers. And yesterday, I was informed by the regional director that three suspects are already under their custody,” she disclosed in Filipino in an interview over Radyo 630.

“We will know later if they already filed a case of kidnapping against the three suspects under custody and three others that are still at large,” she added.

On Monday, the PNP official said they are still conducting lookout operations to locate Eastman, adding that they have yet to find a “proof of life.”

She also opted not to provide any details on the identities of the persons of interest as the investigation is still ongoing.

Based on previous reports, four armed men who posed as police officers reportedly abducted Eastman from his home and shot him in the leg when he tried to resist.

He was taken into a getaway boat that headed out to sea.