Man takes family hostage

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Police shot and wounded a man who reportedly took his family hostage in Imus, Cavite shortly after midnight yesterday.

Cornelio Bautista, 52, was rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment of a gunshot to the chest.

Cornelio’s wife Jonalyn, 40, and their children Linalyn, 17; Lynielle, 16; Lionell John, 14, and Lord Chekerson, 11, were not harmed in the incident that occurred in Barangay Anabu 2-D at around 12:45 a.m.

A neighbor of the Bautistas, who heard the victims screaming, sought the help of the police.

Responding police officers including the special weapons and tactics team tried but failed to persuade the suspect to release his family and surrender peacefully.

The team decided to launch an assault, but Bautista allegedly shot them, triggering a brief firefight that resulted in the wounding and arrest of the suspect.

Probers said jealousy could have driven Bautista to take his family hostage.

Police seized from the suspect a handgun and ammunition.