Store manager hurt in Lipa hostage-taking

BATANGAS, Philippines – A 24-year-old appliance store manager was wounded when he was held hostage by the store’s security guard in Lipa City on Wednesday, police said yesterday.

Arjay Caldo, a resident of Barangay San Jose in Sto Tomas, Batangas, suffered a gunshot wound in the body when Ruel Rodriguez shot him, Lipa police spokesman Inspector Cariza Matel said.

Rodriguez took Caldo hostage after a heated argument and a scuffle, Matel said.

Rodriguez is detained at the Lipa police station and could  face charges of frustrated homicide.

Caldo is confined at the San Antonio Hospital in Lipa City.