7 dead as hostage-taker torches Albay lodge

DARAGA, Albay, Philippines – Six persons died in a fire reportedly started by an allegedly deranged man who took hostage two students at a lodge here yesterday morning.            

The alleged hostage-taker, Ruel Molina, was shot dead by responding police officers before the fire broke out at the Bicolandia Lodge in Barangay Kimantong.

Four of the six fatalities were identified as Irene Alvarez, Angeline Protestante, Dominic Abella and Reno Ladrillo.

Senior Superintendent Marlo Meneses, Albay police director, said Molina held Kathleen Briones, 16, and Josie Alcovenda ,16, hostage at knifepoint.

Briones and Alcovenda were reportedly waiting for a bus for Masbate when Molina approached and allegedly poked a knife at them at around 1:40 a.m.

Molina reportedly ordered the girls to walk with him toward the lodge, where they found canteen helper John dela Peña, whom the suspect also took hostage.

Town police chief Superintendent Joel Adan said the girls managed to run away and hide in a restroom at the canteen.

Dela Peña escaped when Molina went after the girls. Thinking the suspect was gone, the girls stepped out but Molina strangled them both.

The suspect reportedly pulled the pipe off a liquefied petroleum gas tank and switched on the stove, starting the fire.

Alcovenda managed to free herself from the suspect’s grip and ran out as responding police officers arrived.

Police Officer 1 Bancuro Laurel tried to grab Briones, but was stabbed by the suspect. With the fire spreading rapidly, the police officers were compelled to shoot Molina when he refused to release Briones.