A dispute over unpaid wages led to a tense standoff at a corporate building in Bonifacio Global City on Saturday night after construction workers prevented three human resources staff members from leaving the premises.

The incident began around 7:15 p.m. on the 29th floor of a building in Barangay Fort Bonifacio. Workers reportedly blocked the HR staff to protest a delay in their salaries.

Local officials clarified that while the staff members were “held” during the protest, the situation did not escalate into a criminal act.

“It wasn’t totally a hostage situation because the HR staff and construction workers were in a room discussing their wages,” said Barangay Kagawad Maricris Palma.

Authorities stressed that no knives or weapons of any kind were used during the negotiations.

The HR employees told officials they were also unaware that the workers’ pay would be delayed. Discussions between the two groups lasted until approximately 10 p.m.

Representatives from the HR department and the construction crew brought the matter to the barangay office at 10:59 p.m. to formalize an agreement.

According to Palma, the company has committed to releasing all delayed wages on Monday.

“The company held the salaries. They have already settled the matter, and the construction workers will receive their pay by Monday,” Palma said.