18-2-2025 (MANILA) A tense hostage situation unfolded on Recto Avenue in Manila on Tuesday afternoon when a 45-year-old man held two women captive inside a shop, demanding payment of his allegedly withheld wages.
The incident, which began around 2 PM, caused panic among local residents and vendors in the bustling commercial district. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel John Guiagui, the lead negotiator from Manila Police District, the hostage-taker was driven to desperation over a labour dispute with his employer.
“The suspect claimed he was severely underpaid for his work. He had an agreement for a 60-40 profit-sharing arrangement with his employer, but only received 700 pesos despite completing numerous jobs,” Guiagui explained.
To defuse the situation, the Manila Police District provided 20,000 pesos as compensation for the suspect’s alleged unpaid wages. “We called his mother, counted the money in front of him, and appealed to his conscience, particularly regarding the elderly hostage who was showing signs of distress,” Guiagui said.
The hostages—a 66-year-old passerby and the shop owner—were trapped when the suspect, armed with a kitchen knife, entered the premises. The elderly hostage, who had initially hidden under a table to escape the situation, recounted her ordeal: “He found me and added me to his hostages. I pleaded with him, telling him I was having difficulty breathing. He assured me he wouldn’t harm me and that it would be over soon.”
After more than an hour of negotiations, the suspect surrendered peacefully. In a subsequent interview, he expressed remorse for his actions whilst highlighting his grievances: “I came to Recto to collect my wages—about 2,000 pesos that they’ve been withholding. I was with my child and couldn’t even afford to buy sweets.”
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, district director of the Manila Police District, revealed that the suspect is also being investigated for a separate stabbing incident that occurred days before the hostage-taking. “We are looking into this incident. The suspect already has a pending case for illegal possession of firearms,” Ibay stated.
The suspect now faces multiple charges including illegal detention, alarm and scandal, and illegal possession of deadly weapons. He remains in custody at the Sta. Cruz Police Station while both hostages have been discharged from hospital following medical evaluation.
This incident has sparked discussions about workers’ rights and fair compensation in the local community, with the suspect leaving a message for employers: “Please don’t bully your workers—pay them their rightful wages.”
