Woman takes mom-in-law hostage in Taguig City

MANILA, Philippines—A woman believed to be mentally ill took hostage her 70-year-old mother-in-law in Taguig City early Wednesday, police said.

A report from the Philippine National Police public information office said the incident occurred at Block 1, Lot 3, Phase 2, in Barangay (village) Pinagsama in Taguig City around 8:30 a.m.

The report said hostage-taker Lucy Castillo, 42, was armed with a kitchen knife and a pair of scissors when she seized her mother-in-law Estipania Matarina.

Radio reports said Castillo took Matarina inside a room and locked its windows.

Authorities, however, managed to rescue Matarina unharmed around 10 a.m.

“Both are safe and unhurt, and are now undergoing medical treatment at Taguig-Pateros Hospital,” the report said.

Necessary charges are now being prepared for filing in court against the hostage-taker.

Police Officer 2 Peter Fiscal of Taguig City police earlier said the incident may have rooted from a domestic problem. Jamie Marie Elona