A group of hostage-takers promised to release Wednesday night 31 remaining daycare students and four teachers in Manila whom they seized aboard a tourist bus that was supposed to take them to a field trip in Tagaytay.
The leader of the hostage-takers, Armando "Jun"Â Ducat, said they will surrender and release their hostages at around 7 p.m., saying he love the children who are from an urban poor community in Tondo, Manila.
"You can be assured that I cannot hurt the children. In case I need to shed blood, I will not be the first to fire. I am telling the policemen, have pity on these children," said Ducat, who led the hostage-taking near the Manila City Hall.
The group of Ducat seized a tourist bus on Wednesday morning and later demanded that all the students of the Musmos Daycare center in Parola, Tondo be given free education. He also asked that the family of his victims be given free housing.
"I love these kids, that's why I am here," said Ducat, who figured in a hostage-taking of a priest in Manila for failing to pay the balance for a construction of the San Roque church about 20 years ago.
Senator Ramon "Bong"Â Revilla tried to negotiate for the release of the suspects but to no avail. Hours later, Malacanang announced that it has named Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani Fernando to head the negotiations.
There were a total 32 day-care students seized by Ducat's group. However, one of the students who was suffering from flu was released by the suspects, who remained holed up in the bus, so he can be given medication.
Metro Manila chief Director Reynaldo Varilla rushed to the scene to supervise the security in the area. Scores of Mania Police District policemen remained in the area for any eventuality. (PNA) LGI/VR/utb
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