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DILG: Hot pursuit ongoing to rescue American kidnapped in Zamboanga del Norte

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Gracie Rutao

ABS-CBN News

<p>Interior and Local Government chief Jonvic Remulla on Friday confirmed the abduction of an American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte. </p><p>“Ang solid information ay 62-year-old American male na currently conducting hot pursuit ang mga elements natin,” said Remulla. </p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/10/18/pnp-pursuing-suspects-in-american-s-alleged-abduction-in-zamboanga-del-norte-1425" id="isPasted">PNP pursuing suspects in American’s alleged abduction in Zamboanga del Norte </a></div><p>The abduction of Elliot Onil Eastman took place on Thursday in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.</p><p>According to initial information, four armed men who posed as police officers forcibly took him from his residence. They took the victim on board a motor banca then fled.</p><p>Remulla, meanwhile, made clarifications.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/2/29/doj-indicts-3-over-killing-of-chinese-nationals-abduction-of-filipinos-in-alabang-1258" id="isPasted">DOJ indicts 3 over killing of Chinese nationals, abduction of Filipinos in Alabang </a></div><p>“Itong talk na nagpakilalang pulis is chismis lang yan as far as I&#x27;m concerned,” he said. </p><p>The DILG is coordinating with various law enforcement offices to speed up the resolution of the case.</p><p>“We are actively searching lahat ng elements ng Armed Forces para sa kinidnap na American citizen doon sa Zamboanga,” he said.</p><p> Meanwhile, the US Embassy said it is monitoring the situation.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/10/23/chr-probes-alleged-abduction-of-ip-rights-activists" id="isPasted">CHR probes alleged abduction of IP rights activists </a></div><div><span data-teams="true" id="isPasted"><span dir="ltr">&quot;We are aware of the reports and are coordinating with local authorities. We generally do not comment on reports of potential kidnappings while investigations are ongoing,&quot; the embassy said in a statement.</span></span></div><div><span data-teams="true"><span dir="ltr">&quot;The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad.&quot;</span></span></div>

<p>Interior and Local Government chief Jonvic Remulla on Friday confirmed the abduction of an American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte.</p>

Interior and Local Government chief Jonvic Remulla on Friday confirmed the abduction of an American citizen in Zamboanga del Norte.