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Doctor held hostage by patient in East Avenue Medical Center -police


A wounded security guard was arrested for allegedly taking hostage a doctor of the East Avenue Medical Center where the former was being treated Wednesday morning, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said.

Police identified the suspect as 51-year-old Hilarion Achondo.

Authorities said Achondo went to the hospital to have himself checked after suffering injuries from a motorcycle accident around 2 a.m.

When the doctor approached him at the emergency room past 5 a.m., the security guard took a syringe and grabbed the victim by the neck.

Policemen, who were inside the hospital, noticed the commotion at the emergency room.

Police Staff Sergeant Bienvenido Ribaya III  tried to negotiate with Achondo, who did not make any demands.

Minutes later, Achondo decided to release the doctor. He was immediately arrested by the police.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, Ribaya said he just assured the suspect that the police officers are there to help him.

"'Yung paglapit ko sinabi ko 'di kami kalaban, nandoon kami para tulungan po siya. Nagtuloy-tuloy lang po 'yung pag-uusap namin hanggang sa napakalma po siya," Ribaya said.

The police officer said the doctor was not hurt in the incident.

Investigation is still ongoing as regards the incident.

Achondo will be facing charges for grave coercion, alarm and scandal, as well as grave threat, Ribaya said.

Hospital security

In a separate Dobol B sa News TV interview, Dr. Willie Saludares, head of the EAMC emergency room trauma department, assured the public that security measures are strictly in place at the hospital.

Saludares said the incident was an isolated case, however, he urged hospital staff and employees to be cautious.

"Ito naman po ay isolated case, hindi naman po ito madalas na nangyayari, puwede po maulit-ulit pero hopefully po sana hindi na," he said.

"Ang atin po namang hospital ay nagpapatupad ng mahigpit na seguridad para po sa ating mga pasyente at health care workers. Kaya nga po wala namang armas 'yung ating pasyente sa loob... Wala po siyang makukuhang armas talaga..." he added.

Saludares said the hospital has enough personnel who will maintain security in the area.—AOL, GMA News
 

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