PNP files criminal raps vs 6 suspects in abducted American case

Elliot Onil Eastman — PHOTOFROM FACEBOOK POST OF MUDZNA ALI

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed criminal complaints against the six suspects in the abduction of American citizen Elliot Onil Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte province last October 17.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the Zamboanga Peninsula police lodged kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaints against the suspects before the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte on Tuesday.

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

“They also underwent inquest proceedings. Three of the six suspects are already under police custody in relation to the kidnapping of an American national,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

She explained that the three suspects under police custody revealed the identities of three others who remain at large.

However, Fajardo opted not to disclose the identities of the suspects so as not to compromise efforts to capture the three others.

“We are still looking for John Does, who can be a possible accessory to the crime,” she added.

Fajardo said the initial motive seemed to be kidnap for ransom, but the police are still investigating if there are other motives.

Last Monday, Fajardo said the police were conducting lookout operations to locate Eastman, and they have yet to find a “proof of life.”

According to 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.

Fajardo said the PNP has “reasonable grounds to believe” that Eastman is just near the area since the motorized boat used to take him “is not intended for long-distance travel.”