Police in the Philippines have arrested three suspects in the kidnapping of an American named Elliot Onil Eastman in the country’s south. The suspects, who belong to a criminal group, shot Eastman in the leg during the abduction but police believe he is still alive. Two suspects surrendered and pointed to a third suspect who was arrested. Three other suspects involved in the kidnapping have been identified, and more individuals may be involved.
Authorities are conducting house-to-house searches in an unspecified area to locate Eastman. The suspects disguised themselves as police officers and were armed with M16 rifles during the abduction. Eastman had been living in Sibuco, a remote coastal town, for about five months before the kidnapping occurred.
The incident serves as a reminder of security issues in the southern Philippines, a region long plagued by poverty and various insurgent groups. The peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has reduced fighting in the region, leading to a decrease in kidnappings and attacks over the years.
The Abu Sayyaf group, known for targeting Western tourists and missionaries, has been significantly weakened by military offensives. Several individuals, including Americans, have been killed or held for ransom by the group in the past. Eastman’s abduction is seen as an isolated incident in a relatively peaceful area but underscores the ongoing security challenges in the southern Philippines.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
