A one-year-old child was rescued by police officials after she was taken hostage by her father on Saturday evening.
The hostage-taking took place along C6 Road in Taytay, Rizal. According to the Rizal Police Provincial Office, the incident greatly alarmed the public, as it was also live-streamed on social media. The suspect is identified as a 26-year-old construction worker and driver.
According to authorities, the man was seen holding his daughter and armed with a knife.
The Taytay Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Rizal Provincial Director PCol. Felipe Maraggun, Taytay Police Chief PLtCol. Marlon Solero, and other officials, negotiated with the father. After an effective negotiation between the two parties, the suspect was eventually convinced to surrender the child to authorities.
The child was brought safely back to her family after the incident.
“Ang insidente ay dulot ng problemang pampamilya, ngunit nagpapasalamat kami na natapos ito nang walang nasaktan. Napakahalaga ng maagap at maayos na paghawak sa sitwasyon upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng lahat,” PCol. Maraggun stated.
The suspect will face charges for violating RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, Alarms and Scandal, and the Illegal Possession of Bladed Weapons.
He is currently under the custody of the Taytay MPS.
Meanwhile, the incident on Saturday evening caused heavy traffic along the roads of C6 Lakeview going to Taguig. Commuters and motorists were advised to look for alternative routes.
