Man takes cashier hostage in Lipa City mall; cop wounded

A 28-year-old man took hostage a cashier in a gadget store at a mall in Lipa City, Batangas on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Lipa City Police said that during the negotiation, the hostage taker requested to communicate with the press and his family before surrendering.

Lipa Component City Police Station chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Rix Supremo Villareal was wounded while trying to subdue the suspect.

“During the suspect’s apprehension, PLtCol Villareal sustained an incised wound on his right hand while subduing the suspect and confiscating his bladed weapon,” the city police said.

The 26-year-old cashier was released after negotiations. Meanwhile, two more employees hid in a storage room throughout the ordeal, according to the police.

A rescue team from the Lipa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) provided first aid to both Villareal and the victim. 

Several gadgets inside the store were damaged due to the incident.

The suspect was arrested for serious illegal detention and violation of the Omnibus Election Code due to possession of a deadly weapon, the Lipa City Police said.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News