Suspected addict killed in M'duque hostage-taking

A man was killed after taking hostage a female barangay (village) official in Gasan, Marinduque on Saturday, police said Saturday. The suspect was identified as Rocel Fidernal, believed to be suffering from drug addiction, according to Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz. In a text message, Cruz said Fidernal took barangay kagawad (village council member) Joy Masangkay hostage at her resident in Brgy. Dos, Gasan, Marinduque around 11:30 a.m. Saturday. At around 2:30 p.m., Fidernal went hysterical and started hurting the victim, prompting elements of the Gasan Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Public Safety Company to launch an assault, Cruz said. The suspect was shot on the chest and was brought to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival Masangkay, meanwhile, sustained only a minor wound and bruises. The texted police report did not say what weapon the suspect wielded against the victim.—JMA/JV, GMA News