Hostage-taker faces frustrated murder raps for firing at cops

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Philippines – A 56-year-old man who took his 84-year-old mother hostage is facing frustrated murder raps for shooting at two police officers who were pleading with him to let go of the woman, according to the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.

The incident happened on Sunday afternoon on Burgos Street in Barangay 13 in this city.

Senior Master Sgt. Ruben Gallur of the Divisoria Police Station, identified the suspect as Elmo Montillano, 56.

Montillano was armed with a .38-caliber revolver, according to Gallur.

Lt. Romeo Paro, deputy commander of the Divisoria station, was trying to reason with Montillano when the suspect suddenly shot at the police officers, hitting Corporals Jay-ainn Bundulan and Jasin Abesamis.

Paro shot back and hit Montillano in the forearm, giving the other police officers the opportunity to subdue him.

The officers found the suspect’s mother, Azucena Montillano, bleeding in the head and some parts of her body, possibly struck by a heavy object, Gallur said.

The suspect and the wounded officers were immediately brought to a hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s family told police they had no inkling of what would happen. According to them, Azucena merely asked Elmo to order food through a delivery service.

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