Hostage-taking incident at Dasmariñas mall, 2 dead

MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) – A hostage-taking incident inside the SM Dasmariñas mall in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Sunday, October 9, left 2 people, including the suspect, dead, authorities said.

The incident “started as a domestic problem that was brought to the mall,” according to Cora Guidote, SM Group’s Head of Investor Relations.

A man identified as Carlos Lacdao, 32, took hostage around 12 people inside one of the mall’s toilets at around noon, but 9 of them were able to escape, radio dzBB reported.

Lacdao was looking for his wife, who worked as a bathroom attendant at the mall, but was not among the hostages, former Cavite governor Jonvic Remulla told radio dzBB. It was not clear why he was looking for his wife, but police say marital problems is one angle they are investigating.

The suspect stabbed several people, with one of them dead, Remulla said in a separate interview over Radyo Inquirer.

The incident ended just before 3 pm after police shot Lacdao, who then died of the gunshot wounds. The last hostage, which Lacdao held at knifepoint, was identified as Mylene Balajadia, according to authorities. Balajadia was unhurt.

“The local PNP and our security are working together to manage the situation,” the company said.

Earlier reports identified the hostage taker as a mall employee, but SM clarified that he is not.

Tenant personnel and customers are all safe and away from the hostage-taking area, the statement added. – Rappler.com