In Cebu, man who allegedly held cousin hostage shot dead

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A man who allegedly held his own cousin hostage in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City, was shot dead in an exchange of gunfire with the police on Friday, June 7.

Police said the alleged hostage taker, Benjie dela Rosa, held captive his cousin Steve dela Rosa and Ryan Gardayan for “no apparent reason.”

Steve told the police that his cousin Benjie pointed a gun toward him, and the latter brought him inside his house and threatened to shoot him.

When he learned of the incident, their uncle Armando dela Rosa sought help from the Pardo police. 

When police arrived in the area, Pardo Police Chief Regino Maramag heard Benjie shouting inside his house and threatening the police that he will shoot them. 

In an exchange of fire, bullets from the police force resulted in the death of Benjie.

Medical attention was sought for Benjie and Steve, who sustained a gunshot wound at his buttock area, after the incident.

Pardo Police identified Benjie as a “notorious” personality in the area for deliberately toting his firearms against his neighbors.

He was arrested by the police for murder and attempted murder on July 22, 2014 and January 9, 2016, respectively, but the case filed was “probationally dismissed.”

Pardo Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a .357 caliber revolver, a .22 caliber revolver, drug paraphernalia, and 3 small packs with contents suspected as shabu. – Rappler.com