1 dead, 2 wounded in hostage-taking in Davao City

DAVAO CITY — A hostage-taker was killed and two others were wounded when a man barged into a house and held hostage its occupants here on Wednesday, police said.

Harland Garvida, 40, died upon arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) after being shot by police for attacking businessman Allen de Vera and holding his family at knife-point, Senior Insp. Ma. Teresita Gaspan, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, said.

Gaspan said Garvida, a single parent, and a resident of NHA Bangkal, forced his way into De Vera’s house at Acacia Lane, Woodridge Park Subdivision, in Talomo district around 9:45 a.m.

Garvida allegedly took a butcher knife and attacked De Vera, prompting the latter to pull out his 9-mm pistol to defend himself.

But Garvida tried to scuffle for the gun, which accidentally went off, hitting house help Anna Cecilia Flores, 46, in the shoulder, Gaspan said.

As Garvida held De Vera’s terrified family at knife-point, the trader was able to escape and call the police.

Elements from Talomo police station under Chief Insp. Ronald Lao and members of the police’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) attempted to negotiate with the suspect but failed, as the suspect attacked and stabbed a SWAT member, PO3 Junrell Tan, the city police spokesperson said.

De Vera suffered bruises and other injuries.

The wounded were now undergoing treatment at the hospital.

An investigation on the incident was now underway, Gaspan said./lb