Persons of interest identified in Zamboanga abduction of US Citizen

Elliot Onil Eastman —PHOTOFROM FACEBOOK POST OF MUDZNA ALI

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already identified persons of interest linked to the abduction of a 26-year-old American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte province last October 17.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that investigators are ‘already pursuing good leads” in the case of Elliot Onil Eastman.

“We already have persons of interest, and we are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We are following a good lead and already have persons of interest who could give some information on the alleged kidnapping,” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.

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“This weekend we were informed by the authorities investigating the case that they are pursuing good leads because they already identified one particular person that could give information that would lead to the possible identification of location or whereabouts of kidnapped victim,” she added.

Fajardo said they are still conducting lookout operations to locate Eastman, adding that they have yet to find a “proof of life.”

The PNP official also opted not to provide any details on the identities of the persons of interest so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation.

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“Sorry but I cannot reveal the relationship of the persons of interest with the kidnapped victim or the other people within the community. We are hoping to have a resolution to this case,” she said.

“So far, we have not received a ransom demand,” she added.

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 and fled out to sea.