An American national, Elliot Onil Eastman from Vermont, was reportedly kidnapped by armed men in the southern Philippines after being shot in the leg during an attempt to resist. The incident occurred in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, where the abductors, posing as police officers, took Eastman away by speedboat. Despite police efforts to pursue the kidnappers, they remain at large, and local authorities have sought public assistance in the investigation. The U.S. Embassy is aware of the situation, but no ransom demands have been reported yet. This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the southern Philippines, known for its history of insurgencies and kidnappings. The region, predominantly Muslim in a largely Roman Catholic country, has seen reduced conflict since a 2014 peace agreement, though threats from smaller armed groups continue.