1-year old held hostage by father in Rizal

Metro Manila, Philippines - A one-year old girl was held hostage by her father in Taytay, Rizal on Saturday night, the provincial police reported on Sunday, Jan. 26, after rescuing the child.

According to the report, the father alias Vin was live streaming on social media, showing him carrying his child while holding a karambit knife.

The suspect surrendered after negotiations led by Rizal Police Provincial Director PCol Felipe Maraggun. The child has been returned to her family.

“Ang insidente ay dulot ng problemang pampamilya, ngunit nagpapasalamat kami na natapos ito nang walang nasaktan. Napakahalaga ng maagap at maayos na paghawak sa sitwasyon upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng lahat,” Maraggun said in a statement.

[Translation: The incident stemmed from a family problem. We are thankful the incident ended with no casualty. A prompt and organized response is vital in addressing the situation to ensure everyone’s safety.]

Vin is facing a violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, alarm and scandal, and illegal possession of bladed weapons. He is under the provincial police’s custody.