A 46-year-old construction worker was arrested after stabbing two individuals and taking a minor hostage on Wednesday, August 13, at the Baliwag Public Market in Bulacan.
In a report by RH Noche Cacas, authorities identified the suspect as “Bryan,” who allegedly attacked and stabbed a woman who was walking in the area.
According to Bulacan Police Provincial Director Col. Angel Garcillano, a security guard tried to intervene but was also stabbed in the chest.
After stabbing the two individuals, the suspect reportedly grabbed a minor and held the child hostage.
During negotiations, one of the responding police officers saw an opportunity to disarm the suspect, which helped to free the victim.
Police rushed in, wrestled the knife away, and rescued the victim, who was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
The video also captured the intense standoff as police surrounded the suspect, who was later struck by punches from the victim and several residents in the area after being subdued.
Police Master Sergeant Francis Damian, one of the responding officers, said he acted without hesitation despite the risks, prioritizing the safety of the child.
“Ako po ay nagtataka din kung paano ko nagawa ‘yon kaya lang siguro tawag ng tungkulin nagkataon lang po kami duty. Kahit kung sino po sigurong pulis na nandoon ganoon din ang gagawin mailigtas ang biktima, pati suspek. Basta po ang mahalaga wala pong nangyari sa amin [at] nagpapasalamat po ako na nailigtas namin parehas ang suspek at biktima," said Damian.
A video has emerged capturing the tense hostage situation at the Baliwag Public Market, showing the suspect holding a knife in his right hand while clutching the shirt of a teenage boy with his left.
Authorities said that the suspect was immediately handcuffed and given medical treatment.
The suspect was brought to the police station, where he now faces charges of attempted homicide.
