YouTuber Elliot Eastman found shot and dumped in the ocean after kidnapping

In the Philippines, Elliot Eastman, a 26-year-old American YouTuber, went missing on October 17 after being kidnapped from the town of Sibuco. Witness statements and police investigations revealed he was shot and abducted by individuals posing as police officers. Following Eastman's disappearance, authorities took action to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, leading to the arrest of three suspects who are believed to have been involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder. As investigations progressed, police received crucial witness reports, including statements indicating that Eastman had sustained a gunshot wound before succumbing to his injuries. The police lieutenant colonel, Ramoncelio Sawan, confirmed that one of the suspects had confessed to killing Eastman, detailing how they allegedly disposed of his body by throwing it into the ocean. Although extensive searches have been conducted along shores and neighboring islands, Eastman’s body has yet to be recovered. Authorities suspect that Eastman was targeted due to perceptions that he was a wealthy foreigner, particularly since he lived with a local Muslim woman. Former Sibuco Mayor Norbideiri Edding commented on the potential motives behind the abduction, suggesting that resentment towards Eastman’s lifestyle may have played a role in the crime. This highlights the local tensions between foreign residents and some segments of the community. As this tragic story unfolds, it raises concerns about the safety of expatriates in the Philippines and the prevalence of crime against foreigners. The involvement of individuals impersonating law enforcement also points to larger issues regarding security in the area, which has prompted calls for greater protection measures for residents and visitors alike. The case continues to develop as police work to uncover more details and find Eastman's remains.