THE local government of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte has offered a P100,000 reward for information that will lead to the rescue of an American vlogger who was abducted in the town last week.
In a statement, the Zamboanga Peninsula police regional office said the local government unit also offered a P50,000 ward for the recovery of the boat used in the kidnapping.
It commended officials of Sibuco “for their proactive efforts in aiding the investigation.”
“In support of the ongoing operations, they have offered a reward of P50,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the location of the boat used by the kidnappers and P100,000 for information that directly leads to the safe recovery of the victim,” it also said.
It said people who have knowledge about the whereabouts of the victim and the boat may contact the Sibuco police station at 09985986798 or the Crisis Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) Eastman at 09178221990.
“Your cooperation is crucial to the swift and safe recovery of the victim,” the Zamboanga Peninsula police said.
It said the CIMTG Eastman is collaborating with other agencies, including the Armed Forces, in the conduct of search and rescue operations.
“These efforts are based on intelligence reports and insights from the profiles of persons of interest. Operations are ongoing both within Region 9 and across neighboring areas to ensure a comprehensive search and recovery of the victim,” it said.
“The coordination and mobilization of resources across provincial boundaries demonstrate our shared commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals,” it added.
Eastman was snatched by four armed men posing as policemen at his residence in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco last Thursday night.
Eastman, married to a Filipina, has been living in the area for the last five months.
Reports said Eastman was shot by the suspects in the leg after resisting the kidnapping. He was later taken to a speedboat that sped off towards Sulu and Basilan.
