MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — A tense hostage-taking incident involving a minor at the Ground Zero area along the boundary of Barangays Dansalan and Sangkay on Sunday morning ended with the death of the suspect and the successful rescue of the child, authorities confirmed.
According to the Marawi City Police Office and the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), a man armed with a large kitchen cleaver allegedly targeted a young elementary pupil after noticing that the child was carrying a ₱500 bill. Police said the suspect followed the girl before suddenly grabbing her, stealing the money, and holding a knife to her neck in full view of bystanders.
Witnesses said the suspect appeared agitated and “not in his right mind.” Several Maranao community leaders from the neighboring barangays attempted to calm him down and pleaded for the child’s release, but the suspect reportedly refused to comply.
The standoff escalated rapidly as the hostage-taker allegedly prepared to slit the child’s throat. At that critical moment, a police officer who happened to be jogging nearby immediately responded to the unfolding crisis. Assessing the imminent danger to the child’s life, the officer fired his service pistol, fatally shooting the suspect and ending the threat.
Emergency responders rushed the traumatized child to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention. Authorities said the victim sustained injuries and severe emotional distress but was saved from what could have been a fatal outcome.
Police officials disclosed that initial findings suggest the suspect may have been under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of the incident, although further investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances and background of the assailant.
Senior officials of the Marawi City Police and local executives emphasized that the police officer involved will not face charges, stressing that the use of force was justified and carried out in the line of duty to protect the life of the child and nearby civilians.
“This was a split-second decision made to save an innocent life,” police authorities said, underscoring that all necessary measures were taken to ensure public safety.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly given its occurrence in a public area and the involvement of a child. Local leaders renewed calls for heightened vigilance, stronger community-based interventions, and intensified efforts to address illegal drug use and mental health concerns to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities continue to investigate the case while providing support to the victim and her family as the city grapples with the aftermath of yet another reminder of the fragile safety of civilians—especially children—in public spaces.