Hostage taker killed; several hostages alive

MANILA (Updated 8:45 p.m.) -- A dismissed police officer who took hostage 25 passengers of a tourist bus was killed in an assault launched by policemen Monday evening. Several hostages are still alive while at least two were confirmed dead.

The hostage taking, which started around 10:15 a.m. Monday, lasted for more than 10 hours.

Nine passengers of the Hong Thai Travel bus carrying tourists from Hong Kong, China were earlier released. The driver of the bus, who is a Filipino, was able to escape by jumping out of the bus window.

Earlier, the Manila Police District launched assault against the hostage taker identified as former Senior Inspector Rolando del Rosario Mendoza, who was dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman last April.

Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza stands by the entrance of a tourist bus as negotiators talk to him during a standoff at Manila's Rizal Park Monday. (AP)

The incident took place in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park Monday morning, with Mendoza demanding his reinstatement to service.

Mendoza was dismissed from service after a De La Salle University (DLSU) student complained that he was held up by the suspect. He reportedly has a pending case with the Philippine National Police and is facing charges of extortion and harassment.

The passengers of the bus were mostly tourists from Hong Kong, China. They left Hong Kong on August 20 for a visit to Manila and were scheduled to fly back to Hong Kong around 7 p.m. Monday.

Hong Thai Travel Services Ltd. General Manager Susanna Lau told Hong Kong's Cable TV that the bus was carrying a Hong Kong tour guide and 20 tourists - three children and 17 adults - and a local tour guide.

Manila police chief Rodolfo Magtibay said the others on the bus were three Filipinos - a driver, a guide and a photographer.

The foreigners were supposed to go to nearby Manila Ocean Park. (Sunnex)

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