The State Department is monitoring reports from the Philippine authorities that Elliot Onil Eastman was kidnapped Thursday night by gunmen. The department is coordinating with local authorities to navigate the investigation.

Four armed men shot and kidnapped a 26-year-old from Vermont from western Mindanao, the police said. He had been living in the area since May.

Philippines Police have started a search operation following the reported abduction of American national, Elliot Onil Eastman.

The Philippine police said Friday it has launched a search after gunmen reportedly abducted an American national, who was shot in the leg as he tried to resist before being spirited away from a southern Philippine coastal town by speedboat.

Philippine police say a search is underway after four gunmen reportedly abducted an American national, who was shot in the leg as he tried to resist.

An American man documenting his life in the Philippines was shot in the leg and abducted by a group of gunman dressed up as police officers, according to local authorities.