Philippine police announced Thursday that they are investigating reports suggesting that Elliot Onil Eastman, a 26-year-old American from Vermont, was killed after resisting a kidnapping attempt in the country’s southern region.
Eastman was in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, to attend his wife’s graduation when four armed men, posing as police officers, attempted to abduct him on October 17. According to authorities, Eastman was shot twice with an M16 rifle as he fought back against his captors. The kidnappers then dragged him into a motorboat and fled the scene.
Despite a massive search operation that resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the deaths of three others in a shootout last month, Eastman has not been located. Recent developments indicate that he may have died from gunshot wounds sustained during the abduction.
A relative of one suspect reportedly told police that Eastman succumbed to injuries in his thigh and abdomen while being transported by boat. The kidnappers allegedly discarded his body at sea, a claim corroborated by a key suspect whose sworn statement has been submitted to government prosecutors.
Regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan acknowledged the growing evidence pointing to Eastman’s death but said the investigation remains active. “We are constrained to believe that he has died. All of the information that we have points to that,” Sawan said. “But we’re still leaving a little hope that it may not be the case.”
The U.S. Embassy in Manila confirmed it is aware of the case and has been coordinating with Philippine authorities, though it declined further comment, citing privacy concerns.
Eastman, who had travelled out of the Philippines before returning to Sibuco, had been posting videos on Facebook documenting his life in the remote coastal town. Police suspect his online presence may have drawn the attention of the kidnappers, who are believed to be local criminals rather than members of organised militant groups.
The southern Philippines has a long history of security challenges tied to poverty, insurgencies, and criminal activity. While a 2014 peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front reduced widespread conflict, more minor armed factions like Abu Sayyaf continue to operate in the region. Abu Sayyaf has a record of targeting Westerners for ransom, with some victims killed when demands were unmet.
Authorities remain committed to resolving Eastman’s case and bringing those responsible to justice as the investigation continues.
