Soldier nabbed for taking partner hostage

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January 12, 2026 | 12:00am

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Marine soldier was arrested after he took his partner hostage following a quarrel over a post on social media in this city on Saturday.

Police said that Leomar Potestad, 27, of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 based in Cotabato City, went to his partner’s boarding house along Mango Drive in Barangay Baliwasan on Friday night.

Potestad reportedly confronted his partner about her posts on TikTok and seized her phone, according to Capt. Ariel Cabanlong, officer-in-charge of the city police station 11.

The soldier allegedly strangled the woman with a belt, pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her.

Police said the hostage drama went on through the night.

The following day, the woman screamed for help after the suspect refused to release her.

The screams were heard by the woman’s sister, who was staying in a room upstairs.

The sister reported the incident to barangay officials who called the police.

Responding police officers managed to persuade the suspect to release the woman and surrender peacefully.

Police seized the suspect’s .45-caliber pistol and ammunition.