Raps filed vs lover of Taguig hostage-taker

A victim in last week's hostage drama at the Taguig City on Tuesday filed criminal charges against the common-law wife of deceased gunman Almario Bautista, tagging her as an accomplice in the crime. Gina Ramos, one of four hostage victims, sued Delia dela Cruz with illlegal detention, kidnapping and carjacking, radio station dzBB reported. GMA News reported that Ramos, who has a four-year land dispute with Dela Cruz and lover Almario Bautista, was unable to control her anger during inquest proceedings at the Taguig City Hall of Justice. Seeing Dela Cruz for the first time since the end of the hostage drama last Wednesday, Ramos slapped Gina to the left side of her face. GMA News, however, said Ramos actually threw a punch. The right side of Dela Cruz's face suffered a wound and had to be treated by doctors. Dela Cruz was furious, saying she would consider filing charges against Ramos. Dela Cruz has claimed innocence, saying even she was also taken hostage by Bautista, a stuntman who goes by the name Almario Villegas. His sister, however, had claimed that Almario's real surname is Paraiso. Radio station dzBB quoted Ramos as saying that Dela Cruz was obviously involved in the hostage as the latter and Villegas took her car keys while hatching an escape plan. After nearly 24 hours of keeping Taguig City residents on the edge of their seats last week, Almario engaged raiding policemen in a gun battle. A loud explosion, possibly from grenade that Almario carried, was heard at the end of the violent exchange. His lifeless body was found sprawled on the floor of the building's stairs. Police officials earlier said they will conduct an autopsy on Almario's remains. Ramos' lalwyer Frederic Ballesteros, clerk of court Donnalee Dunuan and court stenographer Liwanag Saloma were also held hostage inside the sala of the trial court-Branch 226. Ramos suffered multiple bruises to her face, while Ballesteros was also wounded during their ordeal. - GMANews.TV