Ex-soldier takes couple hostage; 1 killed, 1 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A man was killed while his wife was wounded when a former Marine armed with a hand grenade held them hostage for nearly two hours inside a residential building in Sampaloc, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Operatives from the Manila Police District-Special Weapon and Tactics (MPD-SWAT) arrested the hostage taker identified as Juanito Vergante, 60.

Reports said that Vergante allegedly shot and killed Dan Dumduma, 44, with a caliber .45 handgun.

Dumduma’s wife, Luzviminda, 47, was rushed to the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The couple’s children reportedly escaped from the hostage taking incident by passing through the fire exit.

Superintendent Rolando Balasabas, chief of the MPD Station 4, said the suspect barged into the couple’s apartment and took them hostage from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Police said Vergante was demanding money from the couple.

The suspect threw the hand grenade during a scuffle. Fortunately, it did not explode.

Bomb experts detonated the explosive.