Man looking for relative takes 17-year-old hostage in San Mateo

Published October 15, 2014 8:45pm

A 34-year-old man, who said he was only looking for a relative in San Mateo, Rizal, took a 17-year-old student hostage inside a jeepney on Wednesday morning, GMA News' "24 Oras" has reported.

According to the report, the suspect Kenneth Tavas said he came all the way from La Union to look for a relative in the Rizal town.

He let go of the victim after his wish was granted.

"Napag-isipan ko lang. Pasensya na," Tavas said when he was brought to the police station.

Because of the incident, suspect Kenneth Tavas will be charged with grave threat, alarm and scandal, illegal possession of bladed weapon, and violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

"Pagtingin namin sa jeep may hawak ng patalim 'yung lalaki, 'yung suspek nakatutok sa babae nanginginig. Kinakausap namin, ayaw sumuko. Meron daw siyang pagsusukuan na kamag-anakan daw niya," the arresting police officer said.

"Pinipilit namin na kumalma siya kasi nanginginig na rin siya eh. Parang wala na rin siya sa sarili, parang gusto lang niya hanapin 'yung tao, doon lang daw siya susuko," the officer added.

According to the mother of the victim, her daughter was about to go to school and take an exam when the incident happened. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News

Tags: hostagetaking