German inmate holds jail warden hostage

A 39-year-old German man detained for qualified trafficking and child abuse charges held hostage the warden of the Talisay City Jail last Wednesday noon.

Thomas Rowland, a detainee since 2011, was armed with an improvised weapon made from a nail file, a tin can cover, nail cutter with knife and a can opener when he held hostage jail warden Gil Inopia.

The incident happened in Inopia’ office, said SP01 Mike Espina of the Talisay Police Station.

Espina said the suspect claimed to be a former military man in Germany.

Espina said that last Tuesday, Rowland gave his three German visitors a note requesting a personal appointment with the jail warden in his office.

In the note, Rowland complained about his toothache and requested Inopia to allow him to undergo a dental checkup.

The next day, Inopia met Rowland along with the jail nurse SJ01 Rey Larida and paralegal SJ01 Joven Dalaman in his office. However, upon Rowland’s request for a private word with the warden, the two left the office.

While they were conversing, Rowland suddenly attacked Inopia and held him hostage.

Rowland then gave Inopia a note containing his demands.

“Obey and we will survive, deny and we will both die,” said Rowland in the note.

The inmate demanded a loaded pistol and three handcuffs with keys be given to him.

Rowland also instructed Inopia to direct the female guard to place the gun inside Inopia’s car which he would use as his getaway vehicle.

Inopia called Dalman and Larida to his office and asked for the handcuffs and keys.

Inopia seized the chance to overpower Rowland with Dalman and Larida’s help.

Espina said Rowland could be charged for serious illegal detention.