US embassy coordinating with local authorities after kidnapping of American in Mindanao

The US Embassy in Manila is now coordinating with local authorities after reports came out that an American citizen has been abducted in Zamboanga del Norte.

In a statement, the embassy said it was aware of such news, but it will not make any comments on potential kidnapping pending investigation.

"The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad," it said.

On Friday, police reported that an American citizen who was creating content and posting videos about his life in the province was kidnapped allegedly by Abu Sayyaf members.

The kidnappers forcibly entered into his house in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Sibuco on Oct. 17 at around 11 p.m.

He was identified as Elliot Onil Eastman, of Hinesborg, Vermont, US.

Police said Eastman managed to run from his kidnappers, but was shot in the leg and forced to board a boat towards the seas of Sulu and Basilan.