The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are working together to search for the kidnapped American vlogger in Zamboanga del Norte.
The AFP and PCG are now conducting coastal patrols in the area where Elliot Eastman was allegedly taken. Reports said four assailants shot Eastman in the leg before whisking him away on a boat on Oct. 17.
AFP spokesperson Police Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said that they are ready for the tracking and pursuit operation.
She said the AFP is doing everything in its power to “hit our targets, to eliminate these threats internally.”
Currently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has two persons of interest related to the disappearance of the foreigner.
The US Embassy said it continues to work with local authorities in the search for Eastman. It did not provide further details citing privacy and other considerations, GMA News reported.
“When a US citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we make every effort to keep lines of communication open with families,” the embassy said.
The local government of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte has offered a total of P150,000 reward for information on the abduction of American vlogger Elliot Eastman, the police said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) commended the local government for helping the investigation.
“In support of the ongoing operations, they have offered a reward of P50,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the location of the boat used by the kidnappers, and P100,000 for information that directly leads to the safe recovery of the victim,” PRO-9 said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “AFP, PCG begin joint search ops to find abducted US vlogger.”
