MANGATAREM, Pangasinan – A lady dentist was rescued after she was held hostage by a security guard who was also arrested by the responding Philippine National Police personnel in Umisen Dental Clinic in Barangay Calvo in this town on Saturday, April 22. In their report to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, the Mangatarem police, led by their chief Police Major Arturo Melchor Jr., identified the hostage-taker as Gerardo Placido Paquiz, 46, a security guard and a resident of Barangay Caoile Olegario, Mangatarem. Gerardo entered the Umisem Dental Clinic inside the Paragas Building and pretended to be a customer. He quickly grabbed Dr. Kimberly Aquino Ragudo, 44, and held her hostage with a kitchen knife pointed to her neck. A customer of the dentist who was able to escape immediately called the attention of the police. Melchor and personnel manning the Hi-Pad responded to the scene. The police tried to negotiate and pacify the suspect. “Nakatutok sa leeg ni doktora ang kutsilyo at ayaw bumitaw ng suspek, pero nagkaroon ng tsansa na matutukan ang guwarda at makuha ang kutsilyo (The suspect was pointing his knife on the doctor’s neck and was always holding the victim; the police though got a chance to also point their gun on the suspect and grab the knife),” Melchor told Manila Bulletin. The victim sustained a minor injury on her neck and was brought to the Mangatarem District Hospital. She was later discharged. The suspect and the weapon used are now under the custody of Mangatarem police who are set to file appropriate charges. Meanwhile, Police Col. Jeff Fanged, Pangasinan police director, thanked the community for their quick reporting. Fanged commended the entire Mangatarem police force for their quick response and bravery in resolving the situation without loss of life.