MANILA, Philippines – A hostage incident was reported inside Virra Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City on Monday afternoon, March 2 causing a lockdown of the vicinity.
In a report by Eastern Police District PCpl Christopher Jan Lagunilla, a former security guard is considered suspect in the hostage-taking of around 30 people inside the second floor of the mall.
One person, a security guard, was shot and was being treated at the nearest hospital. He is in stable condition now.
Employees immediately evacuated the shopping mall after hearing a gunshot around 11 am.
"The initial info we have is that a disgruntled security guard who used to work here in Greenhills Shopping Center is currently taking hostages. Initial info also is he has firearms, grenades with him," San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora told the press.
GMA NewsTV's Balitanghali added that the "suspect reportedly asked other guards to occupy the mall but nobody joined him."
"Masama ang kanyang loob sapagkat siya ay tinanggal bilang gwardiya. Hinihikayat niya 'yung ibang gwardiya na sumama sa kanya, pero walang sumama," Zamora added.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was already deployed in the area.
Greenhills Center Management also released statement confirming the ongoing incident.
— The Summit Express
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| Gunman takes hostages in Greenhills mall; 1 hurt. Photo Credit: Twitter/Raffy Tima |
In a report by Eastern Police District PCpl Christopher Jan Lagunilla, a former security guard is considered suspect in the hostage-taking of around 30 people inside the second floor of the mall.
One person, a security guard, was shot and was being treated at the nearest hospital. He is in stable condition now.
raw video from Greenhills Shopping Center re pamamaril doon. Video credit to Johaira Sobair - Naga @dzbb @gmanewstv @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/pjxztkJIYA— Jhanon Tomawis Sobair (@injhagram) March 2, 2020
Employees immediately evacuated the shopping mall after hearing a gunshot around 11 am.
"The initial info we have is that a disgruntled security guard who used to work here in Greenhills Shopping Center is currently taking hostages. Initial info also is he has firearms, grenades with him," San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora told the press.
GMA NewsTV's Balitanghali added that the "suspect reportedly asked other guards to occupy the mall but nobody joined him."
"Masama ang kanyang loob sapagkat siya ay tinanggal bilang gwardiya. Hinihikayat niya 'yung ibang gwardiya na sumama sa kanya, pero walang sumama," Zamora added.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was already deployed in the area.
Greenhills Center Management also released statement confirming the ongoing incident.
— The Summit Express
