“Nung nakita ko po yong maglola sa taas ng bahay, gusto ko talaga silang mailabas na ligtas. Yan talaga yong mindset ko sir kase subrang naawa ako sa kanila.”
Patrolman Christian De Vera
It was a terrible experience for a grandmother named Hermina Anclote and her one-year-old grandson on March 7, 2023, as they were held hostage by their caretaker in their residence in Area B, Sitio Kaysakat 3, Barangay San Jose in Antipolo City—a very traumatic experience that no one could imagine to happen in broad daylight in the confines of their homes.
Upon receiving reports of the said hostage-taking, personnel of the Antipolo City Police Station, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel June Abrazado, Chief of Police, immediately verified the incident and assessed the situation with the help of the Barangay Peacekeeping Team and local officials of the said community. Patrolman Christian De Vera and Patrolman Mark Jalbert Laureta, both mobile patrollers of the said station, immediately responded.
When the police officers arrived in the area, they saw the hostage-taker, later identified to be Severino Ramos, Jr, who was at that moment, holding a sickle. Due to the urge to save the hostages without delay, the two police officers instinctively calculated their actions, coordinating with one another to apprehend the hostage-taker. Patrolman Laureta managed to calm the situation and negotiated with the suspect for the release of the two hostage victims. However, the hostage-taker remained uncooperative, unwilling to release the victims.
Fully comprehending the signals of Patrolman De Vera, Patrolman Laureta continued to negotiate with the hostage-taker, distracting the suspect’s attention while cautiously anticipating every possible harm the suspect may do at any time.
Coming from behind, Patrolman De Vera finally saw an opportunity to grab the hostage-taker with all his strength, holding the suspect at bay while still holding a sickle. The suspect did not let go of his weapon, and instead, he hacked De Vera’s left leg. But with the help of his buddy, both successfully managed to overpower the suspect.
With the victims safely released from the hostage-taker, investigations continued revealing the presence of a cadaver inside the house, later identified as one Benjamin Balajadia, believed to be killed before the hostage-taking incident. Also recovered at the crime scene were a jungle bolo and a loaded caliber .22 pistol.
The suspect was detained at the Antipolo Police Station’s custodial facility while facing charges of murder, direct assault, and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
Though unsure of what will happen next, when duty calls, the Nation’s Peacekeepers will no doubt respond to whatever situation to keep the peace and order, even at the cost of their precious lives. This heroic deed is just one of the hundreds of outstanding and selfless accomplishments shown by every PNP member in its commitment and devotion to serving and protecting the country and fellowmen.
The snappiest salute to all the police heroes out there! Your names may not be mentioned, but your good deeds will forever be engraved in the hearts of many. To the persons you have saved, you are immortal heroes, their ultimate knights and shining armors.
