Elliot Eastman, a 26-year-old American residing in the Philippines, was reportedly killed after being abducted from Mindanao in October. The Philippine National Police announced their belief that he died on the same day he was kidnapped, following testimony from one of the detainees. So far, four men have been taken into custody, while four more are still on the run.
Eastman, a Vermont native, had been living in the coastal town of Sibuco since May and shared his experiences on social media. On October 17, he was taken from his home by armed men posing as police officers, sustaining gunshot wounds during the incident. While Eastman’s body has not been located, police suspect that his abductors disposed of it at sea.
His kidnapping was reported by his father-in-law, who described how masked men forced their way into Eastman’s home. Despite being shot in the leg while attempting to escape, he was captured and taken away in a boat. Although abduction incidents have decreased in the region, warnings remain in place for foreign travelers due to the risk of kidnapping by insurgent groups.
