Man holds niece hostage in Valenzuela

A jobless man, in despair after his wife left him a week ago, vented his frustration on his young niece and took her hostage Sunday night in Valenzuela City.

PO1 Armando de Lima of the city police follow-up unit sustained a cut on the right hand while trying to rescue the victim from the hands of suspect Armando Balili, 25, of Road 1, San Diego Street, Malanday, Valenzuela City. Christine Magalong, 15, was rescued unharmed.

It was gathered that the hostage-taking took place at around 7:30 p.m. last Sunday. Balili, with a knife in hand, went to the Magalongs’ residence and took the victim hostage by poking a knife on her neck. The victim’s parents then called for police assistance.

De Lima, together with colleagues PO2s Ronald Pobosa and Exequiel Sangco, were quickly dispatched to the area. Their presence only angered Balili and made negotiations more difficult. De Lima said they decided to take another tack and pretended to be firefighters instead.

The policemen were able to come close to the victim, and before the suspect could act, they grabbed him. However, a late swing of the knife hit De Lima on his right hand.

Balili has been jailed on illegal detention charges while De Lima has been treated for his wound and is now back on duty. – Jerry Botial