Farmer takes woman hostage, shot dead

A farmer was shot dead by a police officer after he reportedly took a woman hostage in Calauan, Laguna on Saturday.

Ariel San Gabriel, 45, reportedly refused to release the woman despite appeals by officials of Barangay Balayhangin, according to Col. Eleazar Matta, Laguna police director.

The suspect reportedly opened fire at the police officers, who tried to convince him to release the woman. The officers retaliated, hitting San Gabriel in the body. The suspect was declared dead on arrival at the San Pablo City Hospital.

Probers recovered a .45 caliber pistol from the suspect.