Misamis inmate who held fellow prisoner hostage gunned down

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An inmate at the Misamis Oriental provincial jail (MOPJ) was killed after he took hostage a fellow prisoner Sunday, prison authorities said.

Killed by an assault team from the city police was Jomar Itong, 36, from Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

Chief Insp. Christian Caballes, Scene of the Crime Operative (Soco) team leader, said Itong succumbed to five gunshot wounds in his chest and arm.

His victim, Vicente Libona, 59, from Lagonglong, Misamis, is said to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Itong served time for serious illegal detention for holding hostage seven  relatives in Barangay Baybay, Jasaan Misamis Oriental, on July 9, 2015.

MOPJ jail warden Dominador Tagarda said Itong may have had a mental illness prompting him to hold another detainee hostage.

Tagarda said Itong earlier claimed he heard voices in his head telling him that someone was out to kill him. JE/rga