Marantao, Lanao del Sur – July 1, 2025 — A tense hostage situation involving a 2-year-old child held at knifepoint by her own father ended in a successful rescue operation, thanks to the swift and coordinated response of the Marantao Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
The incident took place on June 30 in Barangay Maul-ilian, where the suspect—identified only by his alias “Itlog”—held his daughter hostage inside their residence. Armed with a bolo, the jobless man refused to surrender for nearly two hours, prompting local authorities to engage in delicate negotiations.
With the assistance of Marantao Mayor and barangay officials, police operatives managed to disarm and subdue the suspect, rescuing the child who suffered minor neck injuries. She was immediately brought to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center for treatment and is now in stable condition.
The suspect is now in police custody and is facing multiple charges, including violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 6 for carrying bladed, blunt, and pointed weapons, and Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), praised the police team for their courage and professionalism during the high-risk operation.
“Our police officers responded not only with speed but with compassion and courage. Their actions saved a young life and prevented a family tragedy. This is the kind of service the PNP stands for—protecting the innocent, even in the most dangerous situations,” said PBGEN De Guzman.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hostage-taking incident, while social workers have been tapped to provide assistance to the rescued child and her family.