Eastman case not kidnapping, government execs say

MANILA, Philippines — The case of American national Elliot Onil Eastman is not a case of kidnapping for ransom, according to Presidential Peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

Galvez told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday that initial investigation of the case showed no indication of kidnapping.

“We do not know if it was due to a family feud or personal grudge,” Galvez said.

He said authorities are still investigating the motive for the incident.

Another forum guest, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, echoed Galvez’s statement.

“No, there was no kidnapping,” Pangandaman said.

She said the government is planning to transform the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao into a tourist spot.

Eastman, 26, who is married to a Filipina, was seized by four men in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte last week.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the case of Eastman.

A reward of P150,000 has been offered in exchange for information leading to the rescue of the victim.