Police forces in Mindanao have intensified their presence in the borders of Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in a bid to contain the movement of the abductors of a 26-year old American vlogger.
Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said there is no indication so far that Elliot Onil Eastman and his captors have already reached Basilan and Sulu.
Fajardo explained that as soon as the abduction of Eastman was reported, police forces in BARMM already secured the coastal areas of Basilan and Sulu.
“So far, there is no indication that they reached either Basilan or Sulu. But just the same, all the coastal areas were secured and border control was already activated tio ensure that they will not be able to get out of Zamboanga del Norte,” said Fajardo in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Four armed men who posed as police officers forcibly took Eastman from his house in Sibuco town at around 11 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Eastman has been staying in Zamboanga del Norte since May this year after marrying a local resident.
Fajardo said a massive search was already launched in Zamboanga del Nortr and nearby areas, including hospitals and nearby clinics after it was reported that Eastman was shot by the gunmen when he tried to escape.
POIs
At least two people were already identified so far as possible suspects, according to Fajardo.
“We are now finding out the group affiliation of these two persons of interest (POIs). Operational research is also being conducted to confirm whether or not these two are associated with the Abu Sayyaf or any lawless terrorist group in these areas,” said Fajardo.
One of these POIs, according to Fajardo, was identified by the in-laws of Eastman when he approached his fellow abductors to inform them that the boat was ready.
“We have composite sketches and rogue’s gallery and he was positively identified. This is the reason why we were able to identify him. We have his alias,” said Fajardo.
And four days after the abduction, there is still no contact with the Filipino wife of Eastman and his family in the United States.
FBI presence
Fajardo also disclosed that agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have already started coordinating with the local police through the US legal attache.
But Fajardo was quick to clarify that the FBI is not involved in the operation, adding that their presence is part of the protocol involving the investigation into any incident involving foreigners.
“They are not actively involved in the investigation but what they seek during their visit was just to get updates through their legal attaches,” said Fajardo.
“The FBI is interested in how far the investigation goes. They just obtained updates and left,” she added.