(Update) Hostage crisis erupts at Taguig Hall of Justice

Special operations lawmen wielding powerful firearms on Tuesday afternoon barricaded the roads leading to the Taguig City Hall of Justice as three people were taken hostage inside one of the courtrooms. Radio station dzBB reported that members of the Philippine National Police-Special Weapons and Tactics (PNP-SWAT) prevented all civilians from entering the building. Initial information showed that the hostage-taker held his captives inside the Taguig regional trial court-Branch 266, although dzBB radio was quick to add that the exact location has yet to be determined. Four gunshots were heard in the area as of posting time. One glass window to the left side of the Hall of Justice was shattered, apparently caused by gunfire. The radio report added that a woman looked out of the second floor, shouting requests that GMA News reporter Emil Sumangil speak with the hostage-takers. Another demand was that authorities provide a getaway vehicle. Senior Superintendent Alfred Corpuz, chief of the city police, and Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga were in talks at the area to discuss the ways to end the hostage drama. Two ambulance vehicles were on standby, one from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) while the other was from the Taguig City government. The Hall of Justice is right across the NCRPO headquarters, home of the PNP command for Metro Manila. Parents of the nearby Upper Bicutan Elementary School came in droves to pick up their children from school, fearing an escalation of violence. A growing number of onlookers have gathered at the scene. - GMANews.TV