Authorities are searching for an American national who was reportedly kidnapped in the southern Philippine coastal town of Sibuco after he was shot in the leg by a group of gunmen. The alleged kidnapping occurred on Thursday night. The FBI confirmed that they are aware of the reports and are coordinating with the State Department and other government agencies.
The American, identified as 26-year-old Elliot Onil Eastman from Vermont, was allegedly taken by four men dressed in black and armed with M16 rifles who presented themselves as police officers. A witness told police that Eastman attempted to escape, but was shot in the leg and dragged into a speedboat. The group then fled south towards the provinces of Basilan or Sulu.
Police pursued the group but were unable to locate them. They have alerted other police units and Philippine marine units in the region.
The southern Philippines has a history of kidnappings, particularly in the Muslim minority-populated region. The Abu Sayyaf group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the Philippines, has been responsible for numerous kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, and bombings in the past. However, it is not yet known if the gunmen involved in the alleged kidnapping are affiliated with any specific group.