9-11 hostage drama

Sept. 11, 2003, for most Filipinos, was a day focused on the second anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy in New York City. But a gripping hostage drama was unfolding in Lucena City at 9:45 a.m. that day.

Granja is one of the busy streets in the city. It runs parallel to the main thoroughfare, Quezon Avenue, where all the commercial establishments are located. Both streets lead to the Saint Peter’s Cathedral, where most residents and people from nearby towns make a short visit.

On Granja street, people from all walks of life pass by without worrying about pickpockets, robbers, kidnappers and worse, the sight of policemen chasing criminals.

Clarissa Manding Ravano, 26-year-old resident of Lucban, Quezon, teller of Ly-Leo Money Changer on Granja street, had just come from the bank with the P230,000 she had withdrawn for Ly-Leo. As she entered the firm, she did not notice Edgardo Espalmado, 32, enter with her. She was shocked when he poked a caliber .38 at her, announcing a holdup.

Ravano froze in fear. She couldn’t do anything but let him get the bag. When Espalmado fled, Ravano regained her composure, rushed out of the office and shouted for help. PO3 Rizaldy Digma and SPO3 Ernesto Nicol were on patrol there and chased the suspect immediately.

Espalmado, realizing that the police were already behind him, grabbed passerby Marlon Moreno, as hostage. The commotion attracted a crowd to watch the drama. A cunning criminal, Espalmado took some bills from his loot and threw them in the air. The cash caused a stampede from onlookers.

Even tricycle drivers who, instead of cooperating with the police, added to the chaos, grabbing their share of the loot. Espalmado was able to gain distance from the police, dragging Moreno with him.

Lilia Libares, a quick-thinking onlooker, called 117. Arnel Yara, coordinator of Call Center 117-Lucena City got the call and immediately alerted the police stations nearby.

Led by Superintendent Edgar Layese Layon, Superintendent Concordio Tapulayan Sr. and Inspector Ernesto Ginauli, more police operatives arrived and took control of the situation. The chase went as far as the corner of the adjacent Juarez street and again realizing that more police arrived, Espalmado panicked. Moreno managed to wrestle Espalmado and freed himself.

Espalmado then barged a coffee shop and menacingly poked a gun at the customers. He took a waitress, Vilma Lucafias Diego, for a hostage, dragging her out of the coffee shop to look for another way out.

He was met by a cordon of cops. Layon tried to pacify him and negotiated the release of the hostage. At the same time, P/Insp. Ginauli deployed the SWAT team, blocking all exit points of Espalmado.

At around 9:57 a.m., as the negotiation went on, Lagata and Jamilano sneaked up on Espalmado from behind. They scuffled and disarmed Espalmado. Diego took this opportunity to free herself. Layon and PO3 Alex Frias finally handcuffed Espalmado. Bystanders angered by Espalmado’s brazen, vile act, ganged up on him.

Espalmado was brought to the nearest police station for interrogation. He was eventually charged with robbery, grave threats, and illegal possession of firearms, among others. He now languishes in the city jail.

Diego continues to be haunted by the experience. But her employers and family are thankful to the police and 117 that no physical harm came upon her.

Moreso, everyone in Lucena is thankful that peace and order is back on their busy streets.