A man was arrested after holding his family hostage in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania on Saturday afternoon, September 7.

Police Station 4 chief Captain Francis Depasucat said the 38-year-old suspect entered inside his sister’s house by climbing an adjacent wall.

Depasucat said the suspect, armed with two knives and a hammer, entered the living room and destroyed appliances and fixtures, while his mother and sister, together with two other children, hid in a room for their safety.

The police immediately responded to the scene and negotiated with the suspect.

However, he sarcastically responded to the authorities, Depasucat said.

His heated argument about money and other family matters with his mother and sister caused him to be more aggressive, police said.

As the situation escalated, the suspect was destroying the door of the room where his family was hiding.

The police said the suspect was under control after more than an hour of negotiation.

He is now under police custody.

The family members were rescued, Depasucat said.

Charges of illegal gambling and illegal possession of firearm are being prepared against the suspect./WDJ