PNP intensifies border control for Eastman abductors

Philippine police have intensified border control in Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to prevent the escape of an American vlogger's abductors.

The abductors, posing as police officers, forcibly took the vlogger, identified as 26-year-old Elliot Eastman, from his residence in Sibuco town on October 17.

Authorities are conducting a massive search in Zamboanga del Norte and surrounding areas, including hospitals and clinics, as Eastman was reportedly shot while attempting to escape.

Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated there is no current indication that the victim and his captors have reached Basilan or Sulu, despite coastal areas in these provinces being secured.

The Police Regional Office-Zamboanga activated the Critical Incident Management Task Group to focus on the swift resolution of the abduction.

Police have identified at least two persons of interest, and witnesses positively identified one of them from a rogue gallery after seeing him near the victim's house before the abduction.