YouTuber Reportedly Kidnapped in Philippines

YouTube content creator Elliot Eastman was reportedly kidnapped in the Philippines. The 26-year-old is a small-time YouTube creator with over 1.9K subscribers who mostly vlogs and streams his experiences living in the Philippines as an American.

According to Eastman's YouTube bio, he moved to Mindanao's Zamboanga Del Norte province a year and a half ago, where he eventually met his wife in the municipality of Sibuco. Most of Eastman's vlogs show his positive experiences in the province, but in his YouTube streams last September, he talked about people not liking him and that his life could be in danger because he was reportedly receiving threats.

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On October 17, Eastman was reportedly abducted from his home in Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte by armed assailants who were said to be acting as police. According to local reports, the YouTuber tried to resist and was fatally shot before being loaded onto a boat and taken away. Police said they are actively looking for Eastman's whereabouts and have already identified persons of interest, but are still searching further to find the ringleader of the kidnapping. Overall, local authorities are doing their best to get Eastman home safely. The Mindanao Anti-Kidnapping Group is also in close contact with Eastman's family and wife, who confirmed they have not heard from him since the incident.

YouTuber Elliot Eastman has been kidnapped

In a Rappler report, citizens of Sibuco commented on Eastman's kidnapping, saying they think the days of kidnapping in their area are over. The Mindanao region has seen decades of insurgency and armed conflict, and as a result many people consider some provinces to be dangerous. The Zamboanga Peninsula in particular is said to be known as a “sanctuary for kidnappers and other lawless people” and the local government is trying to erase this stigma. However, it is important to note that Eastman's kidnapping has not been confirmed as an act by insurgents or terrorists. It wouldn't be the first time the YouTube community has heard reports of content creators being kidnapped in foreign countries, with the likes of YourFellowArab making headlines after being kidnapped in Haiti.

The security of content creators is at risk

Many content creators have shared disturbing stories about their security being compromised, with many even documenting their harrowing experiences. Last month, FaZe Clan streamers were targeted during their subathon, where thousands of viewers witnessed the moment the police arrived at their headquarters. There have also been cases where makers have been attacked while filming.

The public persona of many content creators and streamers also made them easy targets for people to follow. It's gotten to the point where some are protecting themselves with enhanced security and self-defense weapons.