CATBALOGAN CITY -- A man took a waitress hostage inside an eatery in Santa Clara port in Allen, Northern Samar, around 11 a.m. Friday, July 21.

Police identified the suspect as Jonie Topacio, 27, married, a resident of Barangay Dolongan, Basey, Samar.

Investigators said Topacio went to Ann Nicole Eatery located at Santa Clara Pier, Barangay Jubasan, Allen, and asked for food. When the victim, Maricel Ignacio, was about to give him some food, Topacio suddenly grabbed the victim and took her hostage.

The suspect was holding a bladed weapon locally known as “pisao.”

Topacio, however, was convinced by police to surrender after minutes of negotiation.

The victim was brought to Allen District Hospital, while the suspect was brought to the town's police station for proper disposition.

Police have yet to determine the motive behind the incident. (SunStar Philippines)