A hostage situation occurred at a business establishment along Recto Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila, today, February 18.
Based on initial reports, two women were taken hostage by a man, who was confirmed to be carrying a knife.
SWAT members and several officials from the Manila Police District (MPD) arrived at the scene and began negotiations.
The standoff ended when the suspect surrendered and walked out of the establishment with the authorities.
Col. John Guiagui recounted that the suspect was someone he had previously arrested and that the individual had reportedly expressed a desire to reform.
He further noted that the suspect had been working at the printing shop establishment where the hostage-taking took place.
However, it was reported that the suspect had not been paid by his employer and demanded P20,000 in unpaid wages.
The police official stated that, due to the trust the suspect had in him, he was able to conduct successful negotiations, resulting in a peaceful resolution to the hostage crisis.
According to Guiagui, there were no reported injuries during the hostage-taking, and an investigation into the incident will be carried out by authorities.
WATCH: Nilinaw ni Lt. Col. John Guiagui ng Manila Police District na dalawang babae ang naging biktima sa hostage taking na naganap kanina sa Recto, Manila | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/DLNyaGD3sR
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 18, 2025
