American Kidnapped In Zamboanga Del Norte

[Lee]

Authorities identify 2 more suspects in Eastman kidnapping

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AUTHORITIES established the identities of another two persons involved in the recent abduction of an American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Police Brigadier General Bowenn Joey Masauding, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said the two are both from Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte and were previously referred to as John Does in the case filing.

“Both are believed to have played direct roles as principals in the kidnapping,” Masauding said in a statement Saturday, November 2.

Masauding said the provincial prosecutor of Zamboanga del Norte has accepted on Friday, November 1, supplemental affidavits from witnesses and other critical evidence against the two newly identified suspects.

He said these two newly identified suspects, along with the three suspects previously identified are currently being pursued by authorities.

On October 29, the police have filed case of kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the previously identified suspects.

The charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filled based on an extrajudicial confession from the two suspects who surrendered, claiming that Elliot Eastman, 26, would be released in exchange for a ransom.

Masauding said that while there has been no confirmed proof of life for Eastman for 16 days, the Critical Incident Management Task Group remains steadfast in its pursuit of the kidnappers and recovery of the victim, actively following all investigative and intelligence leads.

Eastman, a Vermont native married to a resident of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, was abducted at gunpoint from their coastal home in Barangay Poblacion on October 17.

During the abduction, one of the armed men reportedly shot Eastman in the leg when he resisted, then dragged him to a motorboat, which fled to open waters. (SunStar Zamboanga)

 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/authorities-identify-2-more-suspects-in-eastman-kidnapping

[Mike J]

18 minutes ago, Lee said:

The charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filled based on an extrajudicial confession from the two suspects who surrendered, claiming that Elliot Eastman, 26, would be released in exchange for a ransom.

Hopefully still alive, but it seems odd they have not ask for ransom yet if he is still alive.  Maybe the first two decided to turn themselves in and confess to kidnapping rather than murder charges?  

[Lee]

Eastman kidnap suspect, 2 others slain in shootout

 

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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Three men, including a suspect in the kidnapping of American national Elliot Onil Eastman, were killed in an encounter in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay yesterday.

The fatalities were identified as Abdul Sahibad, his brother Fahad and Mursid Ahod, said to be members of a kidnapping group operating in Zamboanga peninsula.

Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, Zamboanga peninsula police director, said Abdul was among persons of interest in the kidnapping of Eastman.

The encounter occurred as police and military forces intensified the search for Eastman, who has been missing for more than three weeks now.

A team of soldiers and police officers exchanged fire with 10 armed men at around 3 a.m. in Barangay Canacan, according to Brig. Gen. Elmer Suderio, chief of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“Intelligence suggests that Ahod and the Sahibad brothers provided refuge and support to other suspects and persons of interest involved in the kidnapping of Eastman,” Masauding said.

Police said Ahod was the seventh most wanted man in Zamboanga Sibugay for alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion and a massacre in 2015 and 2016 in Kabasalan.

Lt. Col. Anshary Pumbaya, chief of the Army’s 106th Infantry Battalion, said civilians informed them about the presence of the suspects in the area.

Pumbaya said members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front as well as the local governments of Naga and Kabasalan supported the police and military operations against the suspects.

Eastman, who is married to a Filipina, was seized from his in-laws’ residence in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte on Oct. 17.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/11/13/2399670/eastman-kidnap-suspect-2-others-slain-shootout

 

 

[Snowy79]

I was watching a vlog from the kidnap victim the other day, he's certainly not the sharpest tool in the box. He was explaining that he lends money out with interest. Something like 20% per month. In an area where poverty is rife and life is cheap.

He also highlighted how much money he was spending doing building work, again highlighting he has way more money than the majority of locals. 

[BrettGC]

Given that Islamic banks do not charge interest as it's against Sharia law (they make money in other ways), I'm sure 20%  per month went down well in the area as well.

[OnMyWay]

2 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

he's certainly not the sharpest tool in the box.

When I saw that he converted to Islam, I wrote him off as a lost cause.

[Possum]

Just now, OnMyWay said:

When I saw that he converted to Islam, I wrote him off as a lost cause.

I'd guess he converted due to the young lady. If she'd been into circus acts he'd likely have been sporting a clown suit. At his age hormones drive most decisions.

[MikeyD]

I did not follow any stories like this before I moved here so maybe this is not that unusual but it is a little unsettling that there has been no ransom demand.  If it's not about money which seems to be the case then what are the chances he is still alive and if he is what are they doing with him?  Sometimes when I read about this and other acts of violence here I get concerned but then I remember all of the crazy things that happen in the US and other western countries which can be much crazier and more violent than most things here.  It certainly helps to not put a target on yourself.

[Ram1957]

The U.S. Embassy has had advisories out for this area since the 1970's. Yet people think they know it all and disregard them. If people want to ignore their own safety thats up to them. But don't expect your home country to get you out if you are kidnapped. Most countries do not give in to kidnapper demands. So if you want to travel there spend the money for kidnap insurance and hope for the best.

 

Edited Thursday at 08:19 PM by Ram1957

[OnMyWay]

10 hours ago, Possum said:

I'd guess he converted due to the young lady.

That is what I was thinking, and also as an attempt to fit in locally.  Either way, stupid.