MANILA, Philippines – Armando Ducat Jr., who took 26 preschool children and three teachers hostage a year ago, remains a hero to his “victims” and many residents of an urban poor community in Tondo, Manila.

Residents of Parola Compound, particularly the “victims” and their parents, plan to hold a candle-lighting ceremony at the Bonifacio Shrine today to mark the first anniversary of the incident.

During the ceremony, which coincides with the graduation of Ducat’s 285 wards at the Musmos Daycare Center, the residents plan to reiterate their appeal for his release from jail (See related story).

Gemma Arroyo, whose 7-year-old daughter Angelica was among the hostages, said they still looked up to Ducat who had been helping and fighting for the poor.

On March 28, 2007, Ducat, along with Caezar Carbonell, held the children and their teachers hostage for nearly 10 hours on a bus parked in front of the Bonifacio Shrine near the Manila City Hall.

Ducat, who was armed with two firearms and two grenades, denounced corruption and demanded better lives for the children. He later surrendered to authorities and released the children.

Many residents wore black shirts with the message “Stop Corruption, Free Education” in front and “Palayain si Jun Ducat at Caezar Carbonell” at the back.

Carbonell and Ducat are now detained at the Manila City Jail for illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms.

Pointing out that Ducat’s act was not in vain, Ronnie Rase and Marie Asuncion, two of three teachers held hostage, said the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided free livelihood training to residents of the community.

A private computer school pledged education grants while the government was reportedly considering giving the residents titles to the land they occupied.

Rase said despite Ducat’s absence, his school continued to operate. “We even had more graduates this year compared to last year’s 145,” he said.

Many residents spoke highly of Ducat’s philanthropy, concern for the poor and desire to rescue them from poverty.

Glenda Tilmario noted that Ducat provided free education and school supplies to their children.

Considering Ducat’s many projects in the crowded slum area, apart from the daycare center, Timario said even if the hostage-taking was a publicity stunt, it was fine with them.

She said Ducat provided free education and school supplies to their children.

Timario cited Ducat’s accomplishments in Barangay 275, including fogging operation, roofing and gift-giving programs, among others.

“He (Ducat) doesn’t deserve to suffer in jail. He should be freed because he was only fighting for the poor,” Lydia Germones told the Inquirer.