2 killed in Masbate hostage drama

MANILA, Philippines — Police shot dead a man who killed a three-year-old boy in a hostage drama in Mobo, Masbate yesterday morning.

Magdaleno Bustamante died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds in the body while his victim, Christ Jerome Uy, died while being treated at the Masbate Provincial Hospital.

The suspect reportedly barged into the house of the Uys in Barangay Poblacion at around 3:30 a.m., according to Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperon for the Bicol police.

Armed with a bladed weapon, the suspect took Uy and his mother Rovelyn, 28, hostage.

Responding police officers tried but failed to convince Bustamante to release the Uys.

Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team were compelled to assault the house after the suspect stabbed the boy several times.

Probers have yet to determine what drove Bustamante to commit the crime.