Hostage drama wounds tanod

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

A MAN believed to be suffering from unstable mental condition held hostage his own aunt and four others and wounded a barangay tanod (village watchman) in Molo, Iloilo City early Wednesday morning.

Suspect Winston Suri, 34, a native of Jaro, Iloilo City, went to the house of his aunt Celia Guevarra at Brgy. Boulevard, Molo Tuesday to seek refuge from unidentified persons who he claimed were chasing him.

At around 1am Wednesday, Suri threatened and held Guevarra and four other persons hostage using a caliber .38 revolver.

Neighbors and barangay officials responded to the scene after sensing that something was amiss in Guevarra’s house.

Tanod Jun Togonon was wounded in the right portion of his chest when he responded to the incident. He was rushed to the Western Visayas Medical Center for treatment.

The incident tested the PNP-media protocol on crisis situations, particularly during the 4-hour standoff and negotiation with Suri.

S/Insp. Roden Siason and Insp. Nestor Santasierra of the Molo PNP acted as ground commanders and negotiators.

Suri initially released his aunt’s family members upon convincing of the police. After granting his demand to bring in his wife, the suspect eventually released Guevarra past 3am.

Suri yielded to the police past 5:30am after his wife pleaded for him to give up.

The suspect’s family said he had a bout with nervous breakdown and had been anxious the past days.

Siason said they are thankful that the incident ended without loss of life. He also credited his personnel and the media for observing the crisis protocol, particularly the off limit zone.

Suri was brought to the hospital for treatment.