DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — Two persons died in in Asingan town in Pangasinan province in an hour-long hostage drama on Wednesday morning, police said.
Chief Inspector Charlie Angyaon, Asingan police chief, said the victims were Zyrell Almery Rebucal, 11, and the hostage taker, Orlando Victoria, 39.
Angyaon said Victoria first shot and wounded a relative at the public market at about 5 a.m. As he ran from the crime scene, Angyaon said, Victoria went inside his house and held hostage Rebucal, his stepdaughter.
Rebucal’s mother was not in the house at that time, Angyaon said. He said they tried to negotiate for the release of the girl, but the suspect refused.
At about 6 a.m., Angyaon said, Victoria shot the girl with a .38 cal. pistol in the chest, prompting policemen to storm the house and shoot Victoria.
Rebucal died while being treated in a hospital in the town. Angyaon said their investigation showed that Victoria was under the influence of illegal drugs.
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