An American YouTuber living abroad is feared dead following his abduction by armed men, as Philippine police provided updates on the tragic incident.
Elliot Onil Eastman, 26, originally from Vermont, was reportedly kidnapped on October 17 from his home located in the coastal town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte province. Authorities revealed he was shot twice by his abductors, who reportedly posed as police officers during the kidnapping. Eyewitness accounts and police investigations suggest he was taken by men wearing black and face coverings, who forced their way inside Eastman's residence.
According to multiple reports, Eastman had been living in the Philippines since May. His father-in-law, AbdulMali Hamsiran Jala, initially alerted the authorities about the kidnapping. Eastman attempted to flee but was shot in the leg with what police later determined was likely an M16 rifle. The armed men then transported him onto a motorboat and fled the scene.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Jean Fajardo stated, “We are constrained to believe he has died. All of the information we have points to this,” articulates the somber stance the PNP has taken following the investigation. While they acknowledged the serious evidence supporting this belief, they still maintained some hope for his safety as Eastman's body has not yet been found.
Eastman's death was reportedly corroborated by testimony from one of the suspects who is currently imprisoned. This individual provided insight indicating Eastman may have succumbed to his injuries and was disposed of at sea shortly after the kidnapping. Investigators were informed by the relatives of one suspect who claimed Eastman was shot multiple times and thrown overboard as the kidnappers fled. текущий
Further complicity emerged when three of the suspected criminals were killed during confrontations with law enforcement last month, and four others remain at large. The PNP’s efforts have led them to detain several individuals connected to the incident; detailed testimonies are now being considered to advance their case against the suspects.
Before his abduction, Eastman shared updates about his life on his YouTube channel, where he had amassed over 4,500 subscribers. His posts included details of his daily experiences living the island life alongside his Filipino wife, Karisha Jala, whom he married last year. His last video was published just two days before the kidnapping and offers glimpses of the peaceful life he had built.
Jala has been informed about the grim developments concerning her husband and is currently coordinating with the U.S. Embassy. Senator Peter Welch from Vermont issued heartfelt statements of condolences, pledging support to bring justice against those responsible. He highlighted the coordinated efforts made by U.S. authorities alongside Philippine defense forces and the FBI's hostage recovery team to locate Eastman.
The circumstances surrounding Eastman's abduction resonate with the larger history of kidnapping incidents for ransom targeting foreigners on the island of Mindanao, known for its troubling security issues. Past incidents often involved militant groups engaging in violent acts to secure ransom payments, contributing to the tense atmosphere around safety for both locals and foreign nationals.
These dire circumstances have ignited reactions from various communities online where Eastman's followers gathered to express their shock and condolences. The shared sentiment reflects not only grief for Eastman but also concern for many who travel to regions marked by violence and instability.
Despite the current state of uncertainty and grief surrounding Eastman’s case, officials have pledged to continue their investigation thoroughly, aiming to apprehend all individuals involved and bring them to justice.