2 die in hostage drama

ZAMBOANGA – Two people were killed in a two-hour hostage drama that stemmed from a quarrel over a lighted bulb in Purok Sili in Lumad village, Pagadian City, the police said Saturday.

Pagadian City Police Chief Superintendent Glenn Dulawan identified the fatalities as Rene Boy Rellon Sr., the hostage taker, and his wife, Martiniana. Dulawan said the incident started around 3:30 a.m. Friday when Rellon and his wife quarreled after the husband demanded from her to put off the light in the living room.

Dulawan said the suspect, who was believed to be suffering from mental imbalance, stabbed her wife during the verbal altercation.