A man was killed after being shot by police while holding a six-year-old girl hostage in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, Marawi City, early Sunday morning, December 21.

According to the Marawi Police Office, the hostage-taking began when the suspect, armed with a knife, grabbed the girl who was walking while holding a ₱500 bill. The suspect allegedly attempted to take the money, and when he failed to get it, he threatened to harm the child, Jun Dimacutac reported.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Sohair Solaiman of the Molunda Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the incident and attempted to negotiate with the suspect for the child’s release.

However, the situation reportedly escalated when additional police officers from the Marawi City Police Station arrived at the scene. Authorities said the suspect became aggressive and began harming the child, prompting police to shoot him.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds to the cheek and body and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

The victim suffered injuries to her face and arm and was rushed to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center for treatment. Authorities said the child is now in stable condition.

Witnesses said the suspect appeared to be not in his right state of mind. Police also believe the suspect was under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of the incident.