Police rescued a minor who was held hostage in Barangay Daddaay, Alilem, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO) said the suspect, a 37-year-old man reportedly with a mental disability, was inside a house with the child when police arrived after receiving a report about the incident.
Personnel of the Alilem Municipal Police Station immediately responded and began negotiating with the suspect in an effort to safely resolve the situation.
While negotiations were underway, a concerned resident called out the suspect’s name, prompting him to look toward a window.
Police seized the opportunity to move in and pull the child away from the suspect, successfully rescuing the minor.
The child, whose age was not disclosed, sustained wounds to both legs and was given first aid by a rural health unit nurse who was at the scene.
According to investigators, the victim was later brought to the Ilocos Sur District Hospital-Bio in Tagudin for further medical attention.
The suspect’s relationship to the victim was not immediately known.
Police said the operation was carried out with caution to protect both the child and the suspect and prevent further harm.