Guard takes partner, baby hostage

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard was arrested for allegedly taking his partner and their six-month-old infant hostage in Mandaluyong City before dawn yesterday.

Ian Maghari, 25, was still reeking of liquor when police officers and barangay watchmen barged into their rented room on St. Jude Pantaleon street in Barangay Barangka Ibaba and arrested him at around 2 a.m., according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Florendo Quibuyen.

Maghari will be charged with alarm and scandal since his partner, Jennyrose Española, refused to file a complaint against him, Quibuyen said.

He said Maghari started drinking with friends and neighbors Saturday night. What reportedly triggered the hostage-taking was that Española fetched him and stopped him from drinking more, police said.

Back in their rented room, Maghari and Española had a heated argument, alarming Española’s mother, Guadalupe.

Quibuyen said Guadalupe tried to enter the couple’s room but Maghari prevented her. She sought the help of barangay watchman Jovy Andang and reported the hostage-taking to the police.

According to an official report, he threatened to kill his partner and their child if the police officers do not leave.

Maghari is being held at the Mandaluyong detention center pending the filing of charges against him, police said.