An American man was reportedly kidnapped and taken away on a boat in the Philippines, according to local police. The incident occurred in the city of Nasipit, located in the southern region of Mindanao.
The victim has been identified as 74-year-old Virgilio Estallo, a retired US marine. He was reportedly seized by unidentified armed men who arrived on a speedboat in the coastal area of Nasipit. The perpetrators then forced Estallo onto their boat before fleeing the scene.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the kidnapping, with the Philippine National Police and the local coast guard working to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects. So far, no motive for the abduction has been established, and no ransom demands have been made.
Kidnappings for ransom are not uncommon in the Philippines, particularly in the southern regions where militant groups and criminal organizations operate. Foreign nationals are often targeted due to their perceived wealth and ability to pay large sums of money for their release.
The US Embassy in Manila has been notified of the incident, and officials are working closely with Philippine authorities to ensure the safe return of Estallo. The Embassy has advised US citizens in the region to exercise caution and remain vigilant for any potential security threats.
This latest kidnapping comes as a reminder of the security risks in certain areas of the Philippines, and serves as a warning to foreigners traveling or residing in the country. The safety and well-being of all individuals, both local and foreign, must be a top priority for law enforcement agencies and government officials in order to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com