Man holds sis-in-law hostage in Argao

CEBU, Philippines - A 51-year-old man was detained at Argao Police Station on Friday for holding his sister-in-law hostage but was released three hours later as the victim opted not to file a complaint against him.

Senior Police Officer 2 Meliton Agadier of Argao Police Station said they received a call at 12:15 p.m. on Friday that there was a hostage-taking situation in Barangay Binlod Argao.

Responding to the call, police immediately went to the area and saw Donato Rabi, a resident of Barangay Binlod, Argao holding a scythe against the neck of his sister-in-law, Marife Onque.

“Pag-abot namu among nakita nga uneasy kaayo ang suspect,” said Agadier.

Agadier, who lead the response team, said they negotiated with Rabi for 30 minutes but he did not surrender. Instead, he demanded to negotiate with Police Officer 1 Jorge Parantar, whom Rabi knows because they live in the same barangay.

Minutes later, Parantar arrived and finally convinced the suspect to surrender.

“After a short negotiation, ni-surrender ang suspect,” Agadier said.

After Rabi surrendered, he was brought to Argao Police Station for processing. However, Onque decided not to pursue the filing of complaint against the suspect.

“Ang suspect mura'g naa’y nervous breakdown mao naka-decide ang biktima nga patambalan nalang ug dili mopasaka og kaso,” he said. —/JBB (FREEMAN)