BACOLOD CITY – A security escort of the family of Dauin, Negros Oriental Mayor Galicano Truita was arrested after he held hostage the mayor’s wife, daughter and two helpers at their house in Barangay Masaplod Sur on Saturday, Aug. 27.
In a press statement from Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Norppo) on Sunday, Aug. 28, Venirando Dalope, 57, of Pangasinan, held hostage the mayor’s wife, Maria Carmen Truita and their daughter Jemimie Truita, and the family’s house helpers Liza Tuban and Maricon Abarientos around 9 a.m.
The suspect was armed with a .45 caliber pistol and an M16 rifle.
Mayor Truita informed Police Lt. Victor Bantoto, Dauin police chief, about the incident, prompting them to respond to the local chief executive’s house and negotiate with the suspect.
The suspect has been working as a security escort for several years for the Truita family.
After a few hours, the suspect peacefully surrendered to Bantoto and police confiscated from him the unlicensed .45 caliber pistol.
According to the police, Dalope was reportedly suffering from nervous breakdown, prior to the incident.
Aside from the unlicensed firearm, police also recovered a colt M16 rifle loaded with 30 ammunition, which Dalope concealed inside the stock room before he submitted himself to the authorities.
Dalope is now under the custody of Dauin Police Station, while charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and violation of Article 267-Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code are being readied against him.
The Negros Oriental police has provided continuous security over the Truita family and other victims, as they were still traumatized after the incident.
Meanwhile, Police Col. Jonathan Pineda, Negros Oriental police director, is appealing to the public to refrain from sharing unverified reports, so as not to cause confusion.
Moreover, he acknowledged other support units for their immediate assistance in responding to the incident.
Pineda also recognized Bantoto for his bravery and persistence in negotiating with the suspect and ensuring that the victims were unharmed and well-protected.