Authorities have identified several "persons of interest" in the abduction of a US citizen in the town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday night.

The Police Regional Office 9 has formed a Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) to focus on the investigation and swift resolution of the abduction case involving Elliot Onil Eastman, who married a Filipino and has been residing in Sibuco for 5 months now.

A PRO-9 report said the CIMTG has identified persons of interest, but further investigation is ongoing to confirm their involvement and relation to any known threat groups and the motive of the abduction.

DILG: Hot pursuit ongoing to rescue American kidnapped in Zamboanga del Norte

"We are validating leads to ensure we are tracking the right group commander and we can build an airtight case," said P/Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Madaudding, task group commander.

Meanwhile, a police quick reaction team is conducting hot pursuit operations on the suspects, with additional security forces deployed in the affected areas.

All PNP units in Zamboanga Peninsula were directed to be on alert and conduct checkpoints for possible apprehension of the kidnappers and monitor the possible presence of the victim and his abductors.

Authorities in nearby provinces are also placed on alert.

The Anti-Kidnapping Group-Mindanao Field Unit team is closely coordinating with the family of the victim's wife, and confirmed that there has been no contact or demands from the abductors as of this time.

PNP pursuing suspects in American’s alleged abduction in Zamboanga del Norte