MANILA, Philippines – One person is hurt while dozens are being held hostage by a former security guard of Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City on Monday, March 2.
In a statement, Greenhills Center Management said a security guard was injured but was already brought to the hospital.
The mall operator said the hostage-taker was a former guard provided by the Safeguard Armor Security Corporation (SASCOR).
In a media interview, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said the injured guard was shot by the hostage-taker upon entering the mall at around 10 a.m. He is now in stable condition.
He also revealed that around 30 people are still being held at the mall’s administration office.
The mayor suspects the hostage-taker was a disgruntled employee after he was fired from his job following several weeks of absence without leave.
“Masama ang kanyang loob sapagkat siya ay tinanggal bilang guwardiya,” he said.
Zamora also said the hostage-taker is demanding to speak with his former fellow security guards and to talk to reporters.
He added that policemen experienced with handling hostage-taking incidents are now negotiating with the hostage-taker.
“We will do our very best to settle this issue peacefully to make sure na walang masaktan,” Zamora said.
The mall has been placed on lockdown.
Its management said it is prioritizing the safety of the employees and of the public.
It also appealed for the public’s cooperation to exercise caution in sharing unconfirmed information on social media.
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