Syrian locks self up to evade arrest

MANILA, Philippines—A Syrian national caused a commotion in his neighborhood Thursday morning after shutting himself inside his home to avoid arrest on a rape charge. He did give himself up after two hours.

After locking himself up at around 8:30 a.m., Mahmoud Obid, 37, of Osmeña Highway corner F. Torres Street in San Andres Bukid, put a knife to his throat. This act prompted the authorities to dispatch dozens of policemen, including a SWAT team, who surrounded the house.

Obid surrendered to the police two hours later after speaking to his wife.