A Taiwan-national, identified as Han Suan Chang, along with 11 “guards,” reportedly attempted a hostile takeover of a bar at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City, yesterday morning.

Based on a report by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Chang and his associates entered the establishment, owned by Joseph Nazareno, who survived an attempt on his life last month when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a vehicle he was driving.

Police were alerted by nearby residents, who suspected a hostage situation may have been taking place. Members of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) unit were deployed and de-escalated the situation.

In an interview following the incident, Nazareno accused Chang of being behind the said shooting.

He added, the 11 individuals accompanying Chang identified themselves as police officers and provided documents that claimed the foreign national was the legitimate owner of the bar.

Nazareno said Chang had been a potential investor, however, the deal went sour after the latter failed to pay for the transaction.

He also pointed out, several items, including closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), were destroyed by the group during the incident.

Chang and the 11 individuals were later taken to Police Station 8 for questioning, as part of a follow-up investigation./DGB, WDJ