1 killed in jail hostage drama

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – An inmate was killed while two others were badly injured when their fellow inmates staged a hostage-taking in the Dipolog City jail in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday, the regional office of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said.

Three disgruntled inmates, according to BJMP officials, led the hostage-taking, starting off with a noise barrage, in an apparent move to demand the relief of the jail warden, Superintendent Santiago Bautista, and five of his personnel for allegedly maltreating inmates.

An inmate was beaten up and stabbed by the hostage-takers as melee erupted after the three protesting inmates took hostages from one of the cells at around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The slain inmate, Danilo Adanza, was rushed to the Zanorte Medical Center but died due to severe injuries.

During the negotiations, the hostage-takers sought an audience with Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Rolando Yebes to seek the relief of Bautista and five of his personnel.

The hostage drama ended almost midnight after the hostage-takers were convinced as Bautista was removed from his post and temporarily replaced by Chief Inspector Allan Bargas.