Children rescued from mentally-ill senior citizen in Binangonan
The suspect after his arrest. (Photo from Rizal PPO)
Several children were saved by the Binangonan Municipal Police from a senior citizen suffering from dementia in Barangay Palangoy on Saturday, Nov. 22, Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) Director Col. Feloteo Gonzalgo said.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman sought police assistance after the suspect, identified as "Christopher," suddenly entered her house to search for a knife while claiming that he was being chased by people trying to kill him.
Due to fear, the old woman escaped from the house and locked the suspect inside, inadvertently leaving the children behind.
Due to the severity of the situation, the police immediately deployed a SWAT team as well as members of the Rizal Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) to rescue the trapped children and apprehend the suspect.
The authorities successfully rescued the children on the second floor of the house.
"Through the combined efforts of all responding units, the police successfully secured the perimeter, ensured the safety of the children, and managed the distressed suspect, ultimately achieving a peaceful resolution. Two police personnel sustained minor injuries but both remain in stable condition," Gonzalgo said.
"The Rizal Police Provincial Office commends the vigilance of the community and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to swift, compassionate, and effective police service, especially in incidents involving vulnerable individuals and potential threats to public safety. This operation stands as a clear testament to the decisive leadership and rapid action of the Rizal PNP in safeguarding every resident—most especially the children," the director noted.