Suspect in American vlogger's killing arrested in Basilan Strait

The principal suspect in the abduction and killing of American vlogger Elliot Eastman, identified as Jackaria Siddik Jamani, was arrested on Tuesday, January 7, in the Basilan Strait.

Jamani, 35, is facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and police believe he was the mastermind behind Eastman's abduction from his home in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte on October 17, 2024.

Eastman is presumed dead, with authorities suspecting his body was thrown into the sea, though remains have not been recovered.

Three other suspects, Abdul Sahibad, Mursid Ahod, and Fahad Sahibad, were killed in an encounter with police and military on November 17, 2024.

Authorities are now pursuing at least four more suspects believed to be involved in the abduction-slay.

The motive for the abduction remains undisclosed, though speculations suggest jealousy over Eastman's marriage to a former partner of one of the suspects.

Jamani was identified by three of his cohorts who were arrested earlier.