YouTuber Elliot Eastman Allegedly Kidnapped by Fake Police in the Philippines
An American YouTuber, Elliot Eastman, found himself in a harrowing situation when a group of men, disguised as police officers, reportedly abducted him in the Philippines. The incident unfolded in the coastal town of Sibuco, where the 26-year-old content creator was confronted by armed individuals on Thursday, October 17.
According to witnesses, Eastman was shot in the leg during the encounter before being forcibly taken to a white speedboat docked near the small village. Local resident Abdulmali Hamsiran Jala recounted to authorities that Eastman attempted to flee but was hindered by his injury and the outnumbering assailants.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to pursue the suspects and locate Eastman, they were unsuccessful in their immediate search. Subsequently, marine units and additional police personnel were mobilized to aid in the search and rescue mission for the missing YouTuber.
Authorities have acknowledged the reported abduction of the American national, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring Eastman's safe recovery. "We want to assure the public, particularly the community of Sibuco, that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim," stated local officials.
@dailymail An American Youtuber has been kidnapped from a remote Philippines village by machine gun-wielding men dressed in black - months after moving to the community and marrying a local woman. Elliot Onil Eastman, 26, from Vermont, was reportedly shot in the leg as he tried to resist before being spirited away from a southern Philippine coastal town in a speedboat. The Philippine police said Friday it has launched a search after gunmen. #philiphines #influencer #kidnapped #youtuber #marriagetok #vermont ♬ Creepy, scary, horror, synth, tension - Sound Production Gin
Originally hailing from Vermont, Eastman relocated to the Philippines approximately a year and a half ago. His YouTube profile chronicles his experiences, stating, "I met the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines. Zamboanga del Norte is a recently developed area of the Philippines that was once only accessible by boat."
In a poignant Facebook livestream on September 22, just weeks before the alleged abduction, Eastman candidly expressed concerns about his safety while residing in Sibuco. "As long as I’m here, my life is still at risk, you know," he disclosed. "That’s the reality. Especially the area that I’m in… it’s not even just the Philippines."
Reflecting on his apprehensions, Eastman shared, "There’s nights I’m afraid, there’s times I’m afraid… but it’s gotten better. In the past, I’ve had a hard time sleeping at night time."
As of the latest update provided by Lieutenant-Colonel Helen Galvez, there have been no ransom demands made in connection with Eastman's disappearance. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their efforts to locate and secure the safe return of the missing YouTuber.
