Key conclusions
- YouTuber Elliott Eastman has reportedly been kidnapped in the Philippines.
- The province where Eastman lives has a history of kidnappings.
- Content creators around the world are facing security risks, with some using enhanced security.
YouTube Content creator Elliott Eastman has reportedly been kidnapped in the Philippines. The 26-year-old is a small-time YouTube creator with over 1.9K subscribers who mostly vlogs and broadcasts his experiences living in the Philippines as an American.
According to Eastman's YouTube bio, he moved to Zamboanga del Norte province in Mindanao 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 allegedly receiving threats.

Relatives
OTK issues a statement on the Asmongold situation
One True King (OTK) issues a statement regarding Osmongold's controversial comments in Palestine that recently got him banned from Twitch.
On October 17, Eastman was reportedly abducted from his home in Sibuco, Zambaanga del Norte by armed assailants posing as police. According to local reports, the YouTuber tried to fight back and was shot non-fatally before being loaded onto a boat and taken away. Police said they are actively monitoring Eastman's whereabouts and have already identified persons of interest, but are continuing their investigation to find the leader of the kidnapping ring. All in all, local authorities are doing everything they can to ensure that Eastman returns home safely. The Mindanao Anti-Kidnapping Unit is also in close contact with Eastman's family and wife, who have confirmed that he has not been heard from since the incident.
YouTuber Elliot Eastman has been kidnapped
In a Rappler report, residents of Sibuko commented on Eastman's abduction, saying they thought the days of kidnappings in their area were over. The Mindanao region has experienced decades of insurgency and armed conflict, so many people consider certain provinces unsafe. The Zambaanga Peninsula, in particular, is reportedly known as a “haven for kidnappers and other lawlessness,” and local authorities are working to erase the stigma. However, it is important to note that Eastman's kidnapping has not been confirmed as an act by insurgents or terrorists. This wouldn't be the first time the YouTube community has heard news of content creators being kidnapped in foreign countries, with people like YourFellowArab making headlines after being kidnapped in Haiti.
The safety of content creators is at risk
Many content creators have shared disturbing stories about their security being compromised, and many have even documented their terrifying experiences. FaZe Clan streamers were busted during a subathon last month, where thousands of viewers witnessed the moment the police arrived at their mansion. There have also been cases where the makers have been attacked during filming.
The public persona of many content creators and streamers has also made them easy targets for people. It has come to the point that some protect themselves with enhanced security measures and self-defense weapons.