Boy, 4, killed in Bulacan hostage drama

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – A four-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed dead by his uncle who took him hostage in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan yesterday morning.

Police shot dead alleged hostage-taker Jose Puyo Jr. after he reportedly killed his nephew Dennis Sibbaluca Jr., four, of Barangay Gumaoc East in the said city.

Superintendent Joel Estaris, city police chief said, the incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. along Quirino Highway in Barangay Maharlika.

Estaris said the boy suffered five stabs to the chest and died while being treated at a hospital, while Puyo died at the scene.

He said the suspect, who was a cousin of the boy’s father, worked for a towing firm where the latter was a foreman.

The boy’s father told investigators that before the incident he saw the suspect in a tow truck talking to himself. When he approached him, the suspect reportedly jumped out of the truck.

He said his companions pursued Puyo and brought him home, as they knew he was allegedly suffering from mental disorder.

The older Sibbaluca said when he got home, he and Puyo had an argument. He said the suspect reportedly pulled out a knife, grabbed his son and threatened to stab him.

Puyo reportedly kept crossing the highway as he held the boy at knife point for almost an hour.

When responding policemen arrived, the suspect reportedly agreed to board the police car while still holding the boy.

Police said they were surprised when the suspect stabbed the boy prompting them to shoot him.