Man nabbed for causing panic in suicide attempt

CEBU, Philippines – Police arrested a 43-year-old man attempting to commit suicide with the use of a firearm Sunday afternoon in Sitio San Vicente, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Pedro Longakit, a construction worker, reportedly held himself hostage while carrying a gun inside a room of his daughter, said Police Officer 2 Neeron Sarzuelo of Basak Police Station.

A family dispute was believed to have triggered Longakit to act that way, which caused panic in the barangay, according to police.

Investigation revealed that Longakit was drunk that morning, telling his family and some neighbors that he would kill himself.

A negotiation ensued between Longakit and police personnel headed by Police Superintendent Virgil Ranes of the City Public Safety Company of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

Longakit reportedly refused to coordinate with the police after hours of convincing him not to push through with his suicide attempt.

Eventually, police maneuvered their way into the house and arrested Longakit.

Police authorities confiscated from Longakit’s possession a .357 magnum revolver loaded with six live bullets which is now subject for license verification.

Longakit is detained at a Lapu-Lapu City holding cell and will face illegal possession of firearms and another case for causing alarm and scandal in the area.