AUTHORITIES have rescued a two-year-old baby girl, although wounded, and arrested the suspect following a two-hour hostage drama on Monday, June 30, in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, the police said.
The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Tuesday, July 1, identified the arrested suspect as alias Itlog, the father of the baby girl.
Armed with a bolo, Itlog held hostage his two-year-old daughter at their residence in Maul-Ilian, Marantao, according to PRO-BAR.
The PRO-BAR said the police operatives disarmed and subdued the suspect as well as rescued the baby girl with the help of the municipal mayor of Marantao.
The rescued baby, who sustained minor neck wounds, was rushed to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for treatment.
The suspect was detained and will be charged with Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 and illegal possession of bladed weapon.
Police Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, PRO-BAR director, lauded the policemen involved in the rescue of the baby girl.
"Our police officers responded not only with speed but with compassion and courage. Their actions saved a young life and prevented a family tragedy," De Guzman said. (SunStar Zamboanga)