Ex-guard frees dozens of hostages in Manila mall, is subdued

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By JIM GOMEZ and AARON FAVILA

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A recently dismissed security guard freed his hostages and walked out of a shopping mall in the Philippine capital on Monday, ending a daylong hostage crisis in an upscale commercial district near the police and military headquarters, officials said.

The former guard at the commercial complex, identified by police as Archie Paray, left the V-Mall in suburban San Juan city in metropolitan Manila with his hostages, who were secured by police.

The suspect was allowed to speak before reporters and authorities for several minutes to describe his grievances against his superiors, whom he accused of corruption and abuse, before police approached and subdued him.

“I’m very thankful that everything ended up peacefully,” said San Juan city Mayor Francis Zamora, who negotiated with the hostage-taker to give up his weapons and guaranteed his safety shortly before the crisis ended.



Police take hostage taker Archie Paray into custody as he speaks to media shortly after releasing all his hostages at the V-Mall in Manila, Philippines on Monday, March 2, 2020. Officials say Paray, a recently dismissed security guard, has released his hostages and walked out of the shopping mall, ending a daylong hostage crisis. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)


Read more: https://apnews.com/a0e2c6b15fbc4bbba3786f862de351f9

[4bucksagallon]

1. The Philippines is corrupt and nothing will change it.

I've been here 10 years and could write a book on it, from the local Barangay officials and up the chain, not to exclude the police and military. It's amazing what paying someone in a position of authority can get you.

[iluvtennis]

2. Glad that he released the hostages. nt