PRO-6 probes Sicogon hostage case

PRO-6 probes Sicogon hostage case | Daily Tribune

Investigators were also instructed to verify the ownership and legal status of all firearms involved, including whether they were lawfully possessed and used.

Sarrosa and four of his bodyguards were arrested after they allegedly held guests and resort workers hostage during the confrontation. Police said the incident stemmed from the Sarrosa family’s long-running dispute with a land developer over the development of Sicogon Island.

Authorities are preparing complaints for illegal possession of firearms, serious illegal detention, attempted murder, robbery, destruction of property, trespassing, indiscriminate firing, alarm and scandal, grave threats and malicious mischief.

In a radio interview, Tuaño said he ordered Sarrosa’s immediate arrest after seeing a video circulating online that allegedly showed him carrying a high-powered firearm while threatening and shouting at his siblings.

Police later verified that the licenses of firearms registered under Sarrosa had already expired.

“I immediately instructed the chief of the Carles Municipal Police Station to proceed to Sicogon Island and arrest him,” Tuaño said.

Police said Sarrosa allegedly tried to negotiate with responding officers and threatened to harm himself before he and his armed companions surrendered and were taken into custody.

Authorities also said Sarrosa’s group allegedly prevented guests and employees from leaving Huni Hotel, prompting police to rescue 11 people from the resort.

Investigators are now gathering sworn statements from witnesses and other parties to strengthen the cases that will be filed before prosecutors.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas expressed concern over the incident, saying allegations involving firearms, threats, and acts that endangered residents, workers, and tourists have no place in a peaceful community if proven true.

She commended the Philippine National Police, the Mobile Police Force, the Carles Municipal Police Station, and local officials for their swift response, which prevented the situation from escalating.

Tupas, however, stressed that all parties are entitled to due process and that criminal liability should ultimately be determined through a fair and impartial investigation and by the courts.

She also urged those involved in the longstanding land dispute to pursue legal and peaceful means in asserting their claims.

“Sicogon Island is one of the premier tourism destinations of the Fifth District of Iloilo. It is important that peace and order be maintained so that residents, investors, workers, and tourists will continue to have confidence in the island as a safe and welcoming destination,” Tupas said.

The lawmaker added that her office remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace and order, protect the rights of constituents, and sustain a secure environment conducive to tourism, investment, and long-term development in Carles and the rest of the Fifth District.