
A man was arrested in a hostage-taking incident along Recto Avenue corner Delpan Street in Tondo, Manila, on Monday, March 17.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Alex Niez, 31.
According to the police report, Niez had a heated argument with his younger brother, Arnel Niez, 28.
During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly held his brother hostage while threatening him with a bladed weapon.
The weapon, approximately 11 inches long, was later recovered by responding police officers.
Witnesses to the incident immediately contacted the local barangay authorities and alerted the Asuncion Police Community Precinct (PCP).
Authorities said the suspect initially refused to surrender, demanding that his mother be present before complying with the police.
After efforts to locate his mother, the suspect peacefully surrendered once she arrived at the scene.
The incident, which lasted more than 30 minutes, caused significant traffic congestion in the area.
The suspect is currently facing charges for violations of Article 282 (Grave Threat), Article 286 (Grave Coercion), Article 155 (Alarms and Scandal) of the Revised Penal Code, and Batas Pambansa No. 6 (Illegal Possession of Bladed Weapon).