Knife-wielding man holds himself hostage in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Family issues allegedly drove a construction worker to hold himself hostage late in the afternoon of Aug. 26 in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The man, identified only as Japhet, 44, of Barangay Mojon, San Jose, Antique, threatened to harm himself when police tried to convince him to surrender his knife and go with them.

Reports said Japhet arrived in Iloilo City from Antique several days ago after his foreman offered him a job in Jaro district.

On Tuesday, he reportedly asked for permission to go home and check on his daughter.

Japhet and his wife had separated, and he took custody of their daughter, who is currently under the care of his parents.

Capt. Mavin Laraño, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 3, said Japhet did not know how to commute.

His foreman gave him written instructions on where to catch a bus bound for Antique.

But instead of heading to the Mohon terminal in Arevalo district, he ended up near the Ungka terminal in Jaro.

Witnesses said they saw him walking in Barangay Sambag, Jaro, around 5 p.m. Tuesday.

He later entered the Christ the King Memorial Park in Ungka.

A security guard at the park said he spoke with Japhet, who confided about his family problems.

Around 6 p.m., the guard told Japhet to leave as visiting hours had ended. It was then that he was seen holding a knife.

The guard immediately called for police assistance. When officers arrived, Japhet placed the knife in his mouth.

Laraño said police attempted to give him food and water. He left the food untouched but drank the water, gargled it, and spat it out.

“Kung makabatyag siya sakit sa tutunlan kay maigo sang kutsilyo, iya man nakuha kag manglimog tubig,” Laraño said.

Japhet repeated this several times until police found an opportunity to grab his hand.

The standoff ended around 8:15 p.m., and he was taken to Western Visayas Medical Center for psychiatric and medical evaluation.

Laraño said his family later confirmed he had previously sought medical attention. He was advised to eat on time, get enough sleep, and avoid coffee.

However, police were unsure if he has a diagnosed mental health condition.

A sibling reportedly arrived in Iloilo City to care for him.