Girl rescued, hostage-taker killed in Marawi City

A 28-year-old man who held a six-year-old girl hostage was killed by a responding police officer in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, Marawi City early Sunday, December 21, 2025.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the suspect who was believed to be under the influence of illegal substances allegedly entered the victim’s house, took her forcibly, and pointed a knife at her neck.

PRO-BAR added that Police Senior Master Sergeant Sohair Solaiman, a member of the Molunda Municipal Police Station, who happened to be jogging in the area responded immediately and tried to negotiate for the suspect to release the victim.

However, the suspect reportedly became aggressive upon noticing the arrival of more police officers from the Marawi City Police Station.

The suspect then reportedly started to harm the victim, prompting authorities to shoot the suspect.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds in the left cheek and body. He did not reach the hospital alive.

The victim also sustained injuries in the face and arm and was brought to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center for treatment. She is now safe, as of this writing.

Authorities are still investigating the incident to identify the suspect since residents nearby reportedly did not recognize him. — with reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao