22/12/2025
Swift Police Action Saves Child in Marawi City Hostage-Taking Incident
A hostage-taking incident involving a minor occurred at around 7:50 AM on December 21, 2025 in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, Marawi City.
An unidentified male suspect, believed to be under the influence of illegal substances, forcibly entered a residence, grabbed a six-year-old girl, and threatened her with a kitchen knife.
A police officer who was already in the area immediately intervened and attempted to negotiate for the safe release of the child. Upon the arrival of additional responding units, the suspect became aggressive and injured the victim. Faced with an immediate threat to the child’s life, the police officer acted decisively, resulting in the neutralization of the suspect.
The victim was promptly transported to Amai Pakpak Medical Center and was declared out of danger, sustaining minor injuries. The suspect was also brought to the same facility and was declared Dead on Arrival.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director of Police Regional Office BAR, highlighted the swift and effective police intervention that led to the successful rescue of the child. He commended the alertness and professionalism of the responding personnel and emphasized that the decisive action taken prevented further harm. He further assured the public of PRO BAR’s unwavering commitment to protect lives and uphold public safety.
