LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO-Cor) reported the successful ending of a hostage situation in Lagangilang, Abra on February 22, 2023.
Based on the report submitted to PRO-Cor Regional Director PBGen. Mafelino Bazar, operatives of the Lagangilang Municipal Police Station responded to a call from a concerned citizen of an alleged hostage taking incident at Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Nagtupacan in Lagangilang.
Police officers found the suspect, a 44 year old male, holding a 19 year old female victim at gunpoint.
The responding police officers tried to pacify the victim however, the suspect was uncontrollable and even fired his gun at the responding police officers.
Abra Provincial Police Office Director PCol. Maly Cula immediately ordered other units to provide additional assistance and help in the negotiation with the suspect. After an hour of negotiation, the police had a chance to subdue and arrest the suspect and save the victim.
The rescued victim was immediately brought to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical assessment and debriefing.
Seized from the suspect were a homemade caliber 22 firearm with 20 live ammunition. Also recovered were three empty shells at the place of the incident.
