American YouTuber Elliot Eastman believed dead after resisting kidnapping attempt in Philippines

Philippine police are investigating the suspected death of 26-year-old American YouTuber, Elliot Eastman, who was kidnapped on October 17, 2024, in the southern Philippines. According to police reports, Eastman was shot twice while attempting to resist his abduction by four gunmen who posed as police officers in the coastal town of Sibuco, located in Zamboanga del Norte province. The kidnappers used an M16 rifle, hitting Eastman in the thigh and abdomen. Despite his efforts to fight back, he was forcibly dragged onto a motorboat, and the abductors sped off, leaving a trail of confusion.

As the investigation unfolded, Philippine authorities launched a large-scale search for Eastman and his captors. Several suspects were arrested, and three were killed in a gunfight with police last month. However, Eastman remained missing until a breakthrough came from a recent tip-off. A relative of one of the suspects provided investigators with critical information, stating that Eastman had died from his gunshot wounds while being transported by the kidnappers. According to the relative, the kidnappers threw Eastman’s body into the sea after he succumbed to his injuries. This claim was corroborated by a sworn statement from a key suspect arrested recently.

The information has led police to believe that Eastman is likely deceased, although they are leaving a slight chance that he might still be alive, as the body has not been recovered. Philippine authorities have informed Eastman’s Filipino wife and the U.S. Embassy in Manila about the reported death. The embassy has confirmed its awareness of the case and is in close communication with local officials, though it has refrained from making further comments due to privacy considerations.

Eastman had previously traveled to the Philippines and settled in Sibuco, where he met his wife. He had been sharing his life in the remote town with his YouTube followers, showcasing the unique day-to-day experiences of a foreigner living in a rural area. His online presence made him visible to the suspects, who appeared to be local criminals and not members of any known armed groups.

Eastman’s return to Sibuco, to attend his wife’s graduation, may have inadvertently placed him in harm’s way, as the kidnappers likely saw him as an easy target due to his public presence. Authorities do not believe his kidnapping was linked to any larger insurgent groups, which have historically carried out ransom kidnappings in the region.

While the southern Philippines has faced long-standing issues with insurgency and crime, recent peace agreements and military efforts have helped reduce such violence. Still, the region remains troubled by pockets of lawlessness, and the kidnapping of foreign nationals is a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by the area.