Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) — A man believed to be under the influence of drugs held hostage his own uncle outside a market in Quezon City early Friday.
The suspect, identified as Juren Amego, 27, dragged his 55-year-old uncle by the knife outside Muñoz Market at around 5 a.m.
The victim, Jerry Pisngot, was a sidewalk vendor.
He was brought to the Quezon City General Hospital after sustaining injuries as he tried to resist his nephew’s attack.
Police subdued the suspect at around 6:30 a.m.
Station Commander Igmedio Bernaldez negotiated with Amego who demanded for water, a vehicle, and a gun.
Members of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team were able to corner him and take the knife from him. Commotion ensued as he resisted arrest.
Amego was brought to Quezon City Police Station 2 for further questioning.
He is facing charges of frustrated murder and alarm and scandal.
He will be asked to undergo a drug test, but police are convinced he was under the influence of drugs.
“Talagang bangag (He’s really high),” Quezon City Police District Director Guillermo Eleazar said.
“Sa kanya mismo nanggaling na kahapon e gumamit siya ng iligal na droga. Tingnan natin history nya baka naman matagal na gumagamit at nagkaron ng problema sa pag-iisip,” he added.
[Translation: “He already said he used illegal drugs yesterday. We’ll look at his history because he might have been using drugs for a long time now and it might have taken a toll on his mental health.”]
Barangay officials said Amego was already seen outside the market at around 11 p.m. on Thursday.
“Bandang mga ala-una umupo na siya du’n hanggang kinukulit na niya si Gerry. Bandang alas singko nangyari na yung hostage,” Manuel Cabrera, a barangay official said.
[Translation: “At around 1 a.m. he sat there. He was already annoying Gerry. The hostage-taking happened at around 5 a.m.”]
