Ma holds kids hostage

A deranged 34-year-old housewife held hostage her two children and a niece in Sta. Ana, Manila before dawn yesterday before being subdued by responding policemen a few hours later.

Adelita Bernardo, who lives with her in-laws at a house on Suter street, Sta. Ana, drove her relatives out of the house with a broken soft drink bottle and then locked herself up inside the house with the three children at around 2 a.m.

Investigators said the woman just suddenly grabbed the bottle then created a commotion that roused her relatives from their sleep before chasing them out. Left inside the house were her five-year-old and three-year-old daughters and a four-year-old niece.

Police said Bernardo has a history of mental instability and was taking medication for her condition.

Negotiations were then undertaken by police after the incident was reported by relatives. When cops failed to talk the woman into releasing the three children, police distracted her and immediately grabbed her.

What triggered the incident is still being investigated.