A US citizen, Elliot Onil Eastman, was abducted in the town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday night. Authorities have identified several "persons of interest" and are conducting hot pursuit operations to apprehend the suspects.
Eastman, who married a Filipino and has been residing in Sibuco for the past five months, was reportedly abducted by an unknown group. The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) has formed a Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) to investigate the case and ensure a swift resolution.
The CIMTG is currently validating leads and investigating the potential involvement of known threat groups. The motive behind the abduction remains unclear.
"We are validating leads to ensure we are tracking the right group commander and we can build an airtight case," said P/Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Madaudding, task group commander.
Meanwhile, a police quick reaction team is conducting hot pursuit operations, and additional security forces have been deployed to the affected areas. All PNP units in Zamboanga Peninsula have been placed on alert and are conducting checkpoints to apprehend the kidnappers and monitor the possible presence of the victim and his abductors. Authorities in nearby provinces have also been alerted.
The Anti-Kidnapping Group-Mindanao Field Unit team is closely coordinating with the family of the victim's wife. As of this time, there has been no contact or demands from the abductors.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this post as more information becomes available.
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