3 hostages rescued from security guard

MANILA, Philippines — Two minors and their housemaid were rescued on Monday in Caloocan after being taken hostage by a security guard who was fired from work allegedly over illegal drugs.

The suspect, whom police identified only as Jessie, forcibly entered the victims’ house at around 7:30 a.m.

Armed with a gun, Jessie held the victims inside the house as negotiations dragged on for six hours.

The 19-year-old victim managed to message on Facebook the suspect’s cousin, who sought police help.

The 46-year-old housemaid was released at 9:40 a.m. But she lost consciousness during the ordeal, while the minor hostage walked free after three hours.

As Jessie went out of the house with the 19-year-old victim, a police officer seized his gun, prompting him to go back inside the house.

A policeman was injured as he wrestled for a knife with the suspect.

Police shot the suspect in the left leg and right shoulder. He is now in stable condition at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Barangay Tala.

The suspect’s mother said he had been uneasy for three days after he was fired from his job.

“He was brought to the barangay and listed in the blotter after a pack of shabu was confiscated from him. He’s been restless for some nights already,” she told reporters.

According to police, the suspect will face charges of illegal detention with physical injury, possession of illegal firearms and attempted murder.