Pasay hostage-taker faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges have been filed against the suspect behind a hostage-taking incident in Pasay City.

Rodel Saklayan, 35, is facing complaints for frustrated murder, alarm and scandal as well as illegal detention.

According to Pasay police Maj. Ryan Salazar, the hostage-taking occurred along Pilapil street on Saturday.

Saklayan suddenly grabbed Cielo May Veringuel, 25, and held her hostage by pointing a shard of glass to her neck, Salazar told The STAR.

Veringuel, a call center agent, was on her way home when she was taken hostage.

According to Salazar, S/Sergeants Danilo Cuambot and Pat Gabe responded to the incident.

The hostage-taking stretched for 30 minutes before Cuambot got the chance to subdue the suspect, eventually freeing the victim.

Veringuel was taken to the Pasay City General Hospital for treatment of lacerations in her neck.

The suspect told police that he was facing personal problems, which drove him to commit the crime.