4 more suspects in abduction-slay of American vlogger still at large

MANILA -- Authorities are looking for at least four more suspects involved in the abduction and killing of American vlogger Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte. 

Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director of Regional Office 3, said the combined units of the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are still pursuing the remaining suspects in the slay case.  

"Meron pang at large pa na hinahabol... more or less na apat pang at large na may kinalaman sa abduction ni Eastman," she said in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo.

Early this week, the mastermind in the kidnapping identified as Ustadz Jakaria Jamani, was arrested aboard a ferry crossing the Basilan Strait.

Fajardo said Eastman's abductors were composed of two groups that were likely involved in other criminal activities.

"Magkakaibang grupo ito. 'Yung mga nauna nating nahuli may mga dati nang kaso mga wanted for murder. At tatlo pang during pursuit operation na nagresulta sa kanilang pagkakapatay noong Nov. 17 ay mula din sa ibang grupo," she said.

"So lumalabas na itong si Jakaira, ito yung sinasabing mismong nagplano ng pangingidnap at present mismo during the actual abduction."

Jamani was identified by three of his cohorts who were arrested earlier.

"Hopefully itong mga hawak natin, itong si Jakaira ay magsasalita na... sa kasong ito para ang iba pang sangkot sa kaso ni Eastman ay mahuli natin," she said.

"Pero sabi natin mahirap sa pamilya ang closure kasi hanggang ngayon ay wala pa tayong nakikita ngayong (katawan) ni Eastman."

Eastman, a 26-year-old native of Vermont who married a Filipina, was abducted by four gunmen from his home in Barangay Poblacion in Sibuco last October 17.

His abductors did not reach out to demand ransom for his release nor did they contact his family at all.

On December 5, authorities told reporters they believe Eastman died the night he was abducted and that his body was thrown into the sea, citing the testimonies of a witness and one of the suspects in the abduction.

The vlogger’s body has yet to be found.