The reward for information that could help locate American national Elliot Eastman has been raised to P500,000, following an additional P350,000 contribution from the Third District Representative of Zamboanga del Norte. This sum adds to the initial P150,000 offered by the Sibuco local government.
Eastman was abducted on October 17, 2024, when four armed men allegedly forced him from his home in Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco. Witnesses reported that the abductors identified themselves as law enforcers and shot Eastman in the leg when he resisted, after which he was forced onto a banca that may have traveled toward Sulu or Basilan.
Authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are actively working on the case, with efforts extending beyond Region 9 to other parts of Mindanao. Police spokesperson P/Lt. Col. Helen Galvez noted that the reward will be granted to anyone able to provide information leading to the banca or Eastman’s location.
Eastman, who moved to the area about five months ago after marrying a local resident, remains missing, with no leads reported to the police as of yet.