Hostage-taker shot dead by cop in Quezon City

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MANILA, Philippines—A man who took hostage a young girl and a canteen owner was shot dead by a policeman as the man was about to stab his victim in the middle of negotiations on Sunday night in Quezon City.

The slain suspect was only identified as a certain “Edwin” by his former employer, canteen owner Juanita Timbal.

The 20-minute hostage drama happened at Timbal’s neighborhood eatery at the corner of E. Rodriguez Senior Boulevard and New York Street in Barangay (village) Immaculate Conception, Cubao.

The case investigator, PO2 Anthony Tejerero, said the suspect used to work at the canteen as a helper.

But on Saturday, he went back to his former boss seeking help, so his former employer let him sleep over that night.

The following day, Timbal noticed that Edwin was acting nervous and fidgety, so she decided to accompany him to the barangay authorities in the evening.

On the way, the suspect panicked and grabbed his employer, apparently using her as a shield against the approaching barangay officers.

Tejerero said this prompted barangay chairperson Ranio Salas to appeal to the man to free his victim.

As Timbal ran away, Edwin, however, fled in the direction of Timbal’s young helper, a 14-year-old girl, who was standing in front of the canteen.

The suspect threatened to stab the girl with a knife he got from the canteen’s kitchen, but a policeman lunged forward and hit him on the head with his gun.

Another lawman took aim and shot the suspect as he was about to strike the girl, allowing the girl to go free.

Lawmen rushed Edwin to the East Avenue Medical Center where he died of gunshot wounds in the chest and left arm.

Jeepney driver Dominador Duyas, 62, was driving by aboard his jeepney when a stray bullet hit him in the leg.