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MANILA— The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced the apprehension of three individuals linked to the abduction of American Elliot Onil Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte.

• PH police: No communication, ransom demand from Eastman's abductors yet

PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the three have undergone inquest prceedings and charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention. 

“Itong 3 na ito na under custody ay may direct participation doon sa ginawang pag-abduct sa American national at they revealed the names of 3 others who remains at large as of this time,” Fajardo said.

According to the investigation, the suspects are members of the notorious criminal gang Norjan Sandag Group and also have previous records of murder.

It has been revealed that they were directly involved in the kidnapping of the foreign national, but they have not disclosed his whereabouts.

“Lumalabas na sila ‘yung nag-spot doon sa victim na considering na bagong mukha doon, isang foreigner, sila ang allegedly nag plano para kidnappin ito,” Fajardo said.

(They acted as spotters. They saw a new face, a foreigner, so they allegedly planned to kidnap him)

She said the purpose of the abduction was to kidnap Eastman but that no ransom has been demanded yet.

Although there is no confirmed proof of life yet, the PNP believes the victim’s location is not far from the area.

“Unang-una siya ay may tama ng baril at ‘yung bangkang ginamit ay hindi makalayo dahil hindi siya intended para sa long distance na pagbiyahe,” she said.

(In the first place, he has a gunshot wound and boat used to take him away is not designed for long distance trips)

The PNP is now investigating other individuals believed to be involved in the crime.

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