Security guard, lawyer killed in 10-hour hostage drama

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard shot himself after killing a lawyer, whom he took hostage for more than 10 hours since Monday night.

Police identified the hostage-taker as Charlimaine Aton, 35. The slain hostage was lawyer Solomon Condonuevo, 67.

Aton took Condonuevo hostage in a building along N. Domingo Avenue in Balonbato District in San Juan City at around 9 p.m. Monday.

Police said a relative seemed to have already convinced Aton to surrender, but suddenly shot the victim in the head after seeing several people around the building. The killing happened at around 7:35 a.m.

Aton shot himself as a team of policemen breached the building.

Senior Inspector Melchor Rosales, San Juan City police's deputy chief, said they had a hard time negotiating with Aton.

Rosales said Aton even requested a meeting with US President Barack Obama and President Benigno Aquino III.