MAN TAKES 2 KIDS HOSTAGE IN NUEVA ECIJA

TWO children were held hostage by a 38-year-old man in Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija.

The suspect, who was later shot dead by the police for harming one of the kids, was identified as Julius Cesar Ton, of Bgy. Abaquid, Danglas, Abra.

The two young children were “Nene,” 7; and “Toto,” 1, both of Bgy. West Concepcion in Zaragosa municipality.

An initial investigation showed that the hostage-taking started at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and ended at 1 a.m. Saturday.

The suspect barged in the house while the victims’ parents were away. For unknown reason, Ton took the two children captive with a knife.

After more than five hours of negotiation, the suspect shouted at the police saying that he already stabbed the 1-year-old boy in the neck, which prompted the authorities to assault Ton, resulting in his instantaneous death.

The young victims were rushed to the Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital in Cabanatuan City for immediate medical treatment.

Authorities are investigating what triggered the suspect to take the two kids hostage.