Authorities are searching for at least four additional individuals connected to the abduction and murder of American vlogger Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte.
Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 3, stated that joint efforts from the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are continuing as they track down the remaining suspects in the case.
“Meron pang at large pa na hinahabol… more or less na apat pang at large na may kinalaman sa abduction ni Eastman,” she mentioned in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo.
Earlier this week, the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping, Ustadz Jakaria Jamani, was apprehended while aboard a ferry crossing the Basilan Strait.
Fajardo stated that Eastman’s abductors were made up of two groups, which are believed to be involved in other criminal activities.
“Magkakaibang grupo ito. ‘Yung mga nauna nating nahuli may mga dati nang kaso mga wanted for murder. At tatlo pang during pursuit operation na nagresulta sa kanilang pagkakapatay noong Nov. 17 ay mula din sa ibang grupo,” she said.
“So lumalabas na itong si Jakaira, ito yung sinasabing mismong nagplano ng pangingidnap at present mismo during the actual abduction.”
Jamani was pinpointed by three of his associates who were arrested earlier.
“Hopefully itong mga hawak natin, itong si Jakaira ay magsasalita na… sa kasong ito para ang iba pang sangkot sa kaso ni Eastman ay mahuli natin,” she said.
“Pero sabi natin mahirap sa pamilya ang closure kasi hanggang ngayon ay wala pa tayong nakikita ngayong (katawan) ni Eastman.”
Eastman, a 26-year-old from Vermont who married a Filipina, was taken from his home in Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, by four armed men on October 17.
His captors never contacted his family or demanded a ransom for his release.
On December 5, authorities informed reporters that they believe Eastman was killed on the night of his abduction and that his body was disposed of in the sea. This conclusion was based on witness statements and the testimony of one of the suspects involved.
As of now, Eastman’s body has not been recovered.
Disclaimer: The details shared are derived from media reports and official statements from authorities. The investigation into the abduction and murder of Elliot Eastman is still ongoing, and all information is subject to ongoing legal processes. The views presented are intended for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as final until the official legal conclusions are reached.
