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

“Ang solid information ay 62-year-old American male na currently conducting hot pursuit ang mga elements natin,” said Remulla. 

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The abduction of Elliot Onil Eastman took place on Thursday in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

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.

Remulla, meanwhile, made clarifications.

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“Itong talk na nagpakilalang pulis is chismis lang yan as far as I'm concerned,” he said. 

The DILG is coordinating with various law enforcement offices to speed up the resolution of the case.

“We are actively searching lahat ng elements ng Armed Forces para sa kinidnap na American citizen doon sa Zamboanga,” he said.

 Meanwhile, the US Embassy said it is monitoring the situation.

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"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," the embassy said in a statement.

"The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of US citizens abroad."