Hostage-taker killed, man and helper rescued

DAVAO CITY -- An intruder held a homeowner and his house help hostage before getting killed by responding special weapons and tactics (SWAT) personnel at Acacia Lane Woodridge Park Subdivision, Wednesday morning. Police identified the suspect, who was declared dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Hospital (SPMC), as Harland Garvida, 40, a single parent and resident of Sapphire Street, Block 4, Lot 30, Phase 3, NHA Bangkal, Davao City. Garvida reportedly entered the home of 47-year-old Allen De Vera and attacked the owner of the house with a butcher knife. De Vera tried to shoot the suspect with his Glock 9mm, which Garvida tried to wrestle from the homeowner. In the scuffle, the gun went off and hit Anna Cecilia Flores, female, 46, married, and a resident of Times Beach. Police said Station Commander PCI Ronald Lao tried to negotiate with the suspect. During the rescue attempt, SWAT member PO3 Junrell Tan was stabbed on the left arm. (Yas D. Ocampo)