A red vehicle boarded by Durano was blocked by a police car, prompting Durano to run back inside his house, keeping also his family from going out. (CDN PHOTO/NOMAN MENDOZA)
Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano had to intervene to persuade his cousin to end a nine-hour standoff with the police Thursday night.
Eduardo Durano, 51, locked himself up in his house in barangay Tabok together with his family to Eduardo, whom police said was in their drug watchlist, was the subject of a complaint after he was allegedly seen brandishing a gun in barangay Ilaya.
Eduardo freed his wife and children after Mayor Durano came over and spoke to him.
Police said they received an armed person alarm at 11 p.m. prompting a team to rush to the area.
The man, who was later identified as Eduardo, fled on board a multicab and rushed home.
His .45 cal. pistol fell to the ground as he ran to the house, police said.
Senior Insp. Cesar Misola, chief of the intelligence branch of the Danao City police, tried to persuade Eduardo to surrender but the man threatened to harm his own family.
Eduardo’s wife and five children aged 12 to 21 were in the house.
The police asked the mayor to help negotiate.
Eduardo initially agreed to free his wife and 21-year-old son.
The standoff went on through the night and ended at around 8 a.m. yesterday.
The father was whisked into Mayor Durano’s car and taken to the police station.
Paramedics also gave him oxygen after he complained of difficulty in breathing.
Police searched Eduardo’s multicab and found a rifle grenade, large packs of white crystalline powder believed to be shabu, eight spent shells of an undetermined caliber and empty plastic packs.
Eduardo did not comment when he was asked who owned the items found in his vehicle.
Police said Eduardo has been in their watchlist of drug personalities since last year and was suspect of being a Level 2 drug pusher who can dispose of at least 200 grams of shabu per week.
Eduardo will be charged with illegal possession of firearm and explosives and violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police are also looking into his possible liability for holding his family hostage.
Eduardo was jailed several years ago after he was implicated in the killing of a barangay captain in barangay Santican, Danao City.
The case was later dismissed.