A village “watchman” who ran amok and took hostage his two sons after getting into a fight with his wife in Upper Kiam-is, barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, on Friday, September 6, will face criminal charges.
Police will press multiple charges against Manny Bamuya, 44, for illegal possession of explosives, violation of the Children’s Welfare Act for endangering the lives of his own sons, and Violence Against Women and Children.
Investigation showed the father ran amok when his wife threatened to report him to the police over physical abuse.
Lumbia Police Chief Captain Dennis Ebsolo said the wife was able to escape, but their five-year-old and four-year-old sons were left inside the house.
The suspect also threatened to explode the bombs he had in his possession.
But, after less than an hour of negotiation, authorities were able to convince the suspect to surrender.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession and control were a rifle grenade and a hand grenade.
Ebsolo said they learned that the suspect was a former member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) stationed in Lanao del Norte, which explained why he holds the explosives.
Ebsolo said the children are undergoing psychological intervention.