Footage shows the Muslim wedding of abducted American YouTuber Elliot Eastman, 26, to his wife Karisha Jala in the seaside town of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte province, the Philippines, in 2023.

The pair exchanged religious vows and rings in a small ceremony attended by friends and family in the poverty-stricken area. Elliot converted to Islam before the ceremony.

However, was staying at his father-in-law's run-down concrete shack when he was reportedly attacked by four armed men on the night of October 17.

The FBI and local police are now searching for the missing American.

Officials said the attackers falsely claimed they were police and reportedly shot the expat in the leg when he tried to resist. He was then bundled away in a speedboat off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte - one of the most dangerous parts of the notoriously crime-ridden country.

Police arrived at around 11pm and took pictures of the suspected crime scene. Blood believed to be from Elliot's gunshot wound was smeared across a length of vinyl flooring. An empty bullet cartridge from an M16 rifle could also be seen alongside everyday items including a hat, handbag and food.

Former Sibuco Mayor Norbideiri Edding said kidnappers may have targetted the American because they thought he was a rich foreigner. He also claimed Elliot had been facing financial difficulties after allegedly being scammed by his previous girlfriend whom he had planned to marry.

Local officials said Elliot converted to Islam and had been living in the town for at least five months.

The Philippines' southern region has been grappling with constant separatist attacks for decades. A Muslim enclave in the predominantly Catholic country, it is also a notorious hub for violent extremist groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf.

Efforts toward peace have seen progress, with a 2014 peace agreement and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 2019. However, sporadic clashes with extremist factions and ongoing poverty continue to challenge long-term stability.