In saving lives, time is always of the essence. This was proven by the personnel of the Baliwag City Police Station (CPS) when they successfully rescued a hostage victim on the morning of August 13, 2025, at the Baliwag Public Market, Barangay Poblacion, Baliwag City, Bulacan. It only took them three minutes to respond in a hostage-taking incident involving an armed suspect who was at that time holding his victim.
The suspect, identified as Bryan Dasco y Dimacali, 46 years old, a fisherman and a resident in the same barangay captured a minor named Abdul Najib Najer y Camad, 16 years old, and repeatedly threatening the latter with a knife.
Upon assessing the situation, the police officers of Baliwag CPS led by Police Lieutenant Ariel G. Modelo, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Jayson F. San Pedro, Chief of Police, wasted no time to apprehend the hostage taker. Through the calculated movements of Police Master Sergeant Francis R. Damian, the suspect was successfully disarmed and arrested, leaving the victim safe and unharmed. The cops’ alertness and composure despite the imminent danger enabled them to save and protect the victim’s life and quickly controlled the situation.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had already stabbed two individuals before the hostage-taking took place. Fortunately, all the victims were safely brought to the nearest hospital and were later declared in stable condition. Subsequently, two counts of Attempted Homicide and Serious Illegal Detention under Republic Act No. 7610 otherwise known as “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act,” were filled against the suspect.
The swift police response was anchored on the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) 5-Minute Response Policy (5MRP) which was the brainchild of then PNP Chief, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III. Said policy aims to institutionalize a people-centered police organization ready and capable of responding to any emergency and to deliver outstanding police services within five minutes.
The PNP Top Cop lauded the timely response of Baliwag CPS, stating: “I commend the courage, professionalism, and quick response of our personnel in Baliwag. Their decisive actions not only protected the hostage but also prevented further harm to innocent citizens. This incident highlights the dedication of our officers who stand ready to serve and safeguard every community in the country.”
On August 18, during the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City, the personnel of Baliwag CPS were recognized and awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan. Among the awardees were PLtCol Jayson F. San Pedro, PLt Ariel G. Modelo, and PMSg Francis R. Damian. While the Medalya ng Papuri was also given to PSSg Eligio G. Cuaresma Jr, Pat Ronnel Ray E. Jimenez, and Pat Prince Peter Paul D. Natividad.
With the nationwide implementation of the PNP’s revitalized 911Emergency Response Program, the Nation’s Peacekeeper will not only replicate the success of Baliwag CPS, rather benchmark such accomplishment to instill a culture of excellence and accountability within the ranks, especially in delivering timely and effective responses while upholding the utmost respect for human rights.
