Hostage-taking in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Five children and 3 adults were hostaged by a certain Agelito Adorna in Masbate on Saturday, April 27. 

A report on DZMM on Saturday said that Adorna hostaged the children and 3 of his neighbors, the parents of the children, because he did not want to be a gun-for-hire for a certain politician. The report did not reveal the identity of the politician.

Adorna had a .45 caliber pistol pointed at the children and had a bolo tied to his waist when he hostaged the adults and children. 

As of posting he was talking to negotiators and airing out his grievances. Adorna said he also wanted to talk to ABS-CBN broadcasters Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon. 

The DZMM also reported that the team leader, the Chief of Police of Dimasalang, Carlos Espenilla Jr., said the police already has a plan on how to go about the negotiation and the safe release of the hostages.  

The report said there are around 50 police officers and some members of the Philippine Army present at the scene. Dimasalang Mayor Henry Naga and a provincial board member were also present. – with reports from Cai Ordinario/Rappler.com