ALLEGED MASTERMIND IN AMERICAN VLOGGER’S KIDNAPPING CAPTURED

OPERATIVES on Thursday announced the capture of the alleged mastermind in the abduction of American vlogger Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte.

Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) acting information officer Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan identified the suspect as Jackaria Jamani, 35, of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

Sawan said Jamani was arrested aboard a ferry plying the Basilan Strait at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.    

The suspect was caught based on a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued on Dec. 25, 2024 by a court in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

The alleged Abu Sayyaf Group supporter was placed in the custody of the Sibuco Municipal Police Station.

The American vlogger was kidnapped by four gunmen from his wife’s home in Bgy. Poblacion, Sibuco on the night of Oct. 17, 2024.

Witnesses said Eastman was shot by one of the suspects when he resisted.

The victim was dragged towards a waiting motorboat.

On Dec. 5, 2024, authorities confirmed that Eastman died the night he was abducted and that his body was dumped into the sea.

Eastman, a native of Vermont, United States, had been living in Sibuco for five months with his wife when he was kidnapped.