PNP verifying info from child of suspect in abducted American case

MANILA, Philippines — A child of a principal suspect in the abduction of a 26-year-old American man in Zamboanga del Norte has provided authorities with information relevant to the case, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

However, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said they are still validating the information they received from the child regarding the abduction of Elliot Onil Eastman.

“’Yung anak po na isa sa mga principal suspect has provided information as to allegedly what transpired from the time Eastman was abducted from their house until the time he was transported using a motorized bangka,” Fajardo disclosed in a press briefing on Monday.

(The child of one of the principal suspects has provided information regarding what allegedly transpired from the time Eastman was abducted from their house until he was transported using a motorized boat.)

READ: Still no proof of life on abducted American

“This is still subject to validation kasi lumalabas ay kinuwento lamang po sa kanya no’ng isa sa mga principal suspect po. So, ongoing po ‘yong validation to confirm the revelation made by the anak ng principal suspect,” she added.

(This is still subject to validation because it appears that the child’s story only came from another principal suspect. So, the validation is ongoing to confirm the revelation made by this kid.)

When asked if the child’s parent was under custody, Fajardo replied that they were not.

The PNP official likewise opted not to disclose the age or gender of the child.

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

Moreover, Fajardo revealed that three suspects linked to the case are already under police custody.

But she also opted not to provide any details on the identities of the persons of interest to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.

READ: Men posing as ‘law enforcers’ abduct American in Zamboanga del Norte 

Based on previous reports, four armed men, who posed as police officers, reportedly abducted Eastman from his home last October 17 and shot him in the leg when he tried to resist. He was taken into a getaway boat which fled out to sea. — With reports from Emmanuel John Abris, INQUIRER.net intern