Police shot and killed a man who took a 6-year-old child hostage in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, Marawi City, on Dec. 21, authorities said.
According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the suspect was a 28-year-old man who entered the child’s home and forcibly took the child while armed with a bladed weapon.
Police said officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect, an effort that was captured on video. During the negotiation, authorities said the suspect became aggressive and began harming the child.
Due to the immediate danger to the child, police were forced to fire at the suspect. The suspect was hit in the face, authorities said.
The suspect was rushed to a hospital but was later declared dead, police added.
The child was also taken to a hospital after sustaining injuries during the hostage-taking. Authorities said the child is now in stable condition and no longer in danger.
Police did not immediately disclose further details about the suspect or the extent of the child’s injuries.
Authorities said the motive behind the hostage-taking has not yet been determined. An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the incident.
Further updates will be released as the investigation continues, authorities said.
