Priest held hostage in Misamis Oriental

A man is facing charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms after holding a priest hostage in Naawan town, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday morning.

Naawan Police Senior Insp. Jay Francis Estigoy said the suspect, identified as Lovernton Ruedas, came from the police station after asking for him.

As Ruedas was about to leave the station, the policemen on duty saw that he was carrying a firearm, and so they quizzed him about it.

In response, Ruedas then shot at the police officers then ran to the church where he met and held hostage a priest, Fr. Roniedon Valmoria.

The negotiation for the release of the priest, which involved Misamis Oriental Gov. Bambi Emano, lasted for three hours.

Ruedas, eventually, surrendered and turned over his caliber .45 pistol to the priest.

Valmoria said he was not held hostage by the suspect, adding that Ruedas went to the church to ask for his help because he was shot at by the police.

The priest also said the suspect is an active member of the church and was even a member of the choir.

Ruedas, the police said, will be facing charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms. — GMA News stringer Michael Tolang/BAP, GMA News