Ex-canteen worker takes former boss hostage

MANILA, Philippines - A former canteen worker was shot dead by policemen after he took hostage his former boss and a helper in Quezon City on Sunday night.

The 20-minute hostage-taking ended with policemen shooting the suspect, identified only as Edwin, after he attempted to stab 14-year-old helper Jhoanna Tipay, said Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

The suspect died at the hospital from two gunshot wounds he sustained in the chest and arm.

Tipay also sustained puncture wounds in the neck and left arm during the hostage-taking at the canteen along New York street in Barangay Immaculate Concepcion at past 6 p.m.

The suspect had gone to the canteen owned by Juanita Timbal, where he used to work, on Saturday night. He spent the night there, but he did not sleep and had been acting suspiciously, police said.

On Sunday night, Edwin held Timbal hostage using a bladed weapon. When Timbal escaped, the suspect grabbed Tipay.

Police officers tried negotiating with Edwin until he tried to stab the teenager, prompting them to shoot at the suspect.

Though already hit in the left arm, the suspect still attempted to stab Tipay, prompting policemen to shoot him again.