Police in the Philippines have arrested three suspects in the kidnapping of American Elliot Onil Eastman in Sibuco town in Zamboanga del Norte province. Eastman, who was shot in the leg during the abduction, is believed to still be alive, and three other suspects, who may be holding him, have been identified. More suspects could be involved in the kidnapping.
The suspects, who are believed to belong to a criminal group and not armed Muslim rebel groups, shot Eastman when he tried to escape and dragged him onto a motorboat before fleeing. Empty casings of M16 ammunition and blood stains were found at the scene of the abduction in Sibuco.
Eastman, who had been living in Sibuco for about five months, was targeted by the kidnappers after they saw him posting Facebook videos of his life in the remote coastal town. Authorities believe the kidnapping was isolated in the relatively peaceful region but it highlights the security challenges that have plagued the southern Philippines due to poverty and various insurgent groups.
While a 2014 peace agreement has reduced fighting in the region, there are still security concerns. The Abu Sayyaf group, known for targeting Western tourists and missionaries for ransom kidnappings, has been significantly weakened by military offensives over the years. However, kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks continue to be a threat in the southern Philippines. Eastman’s abduction serves as a reminder of the ongoing security risks in the region.
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