A FORMER POLICE inspector in the Philippines has hijacked a tourist bus in Manila.
Rolando Mendoza was dismissed as one of five police officers charged with robbery, extortion and threats in 2008.
His brother said Mendoza felt that “injustice was done on him” and that he had not been involved in the crime.
Armed with an M16 rifle and small arms, Mendoza seized the bus parked at a downtown Manila park today. He is demanding his reinstatement back into the police force.
Nine of the 25 hostages originally on board have been released, including three children, and negotiations are continuing for further releases.
The tourists are believed to be from Hong Honk, and China’s news agency Xinhua is reporting that 15 Chinese nationals remain on board.
A police spokesperson in Manila says Mendoza is cooperating with authorities and the use of force would be a last resort.
[caption id="attachment_14115" align="alignnone" width="511" caption="Hostage negotiators (left and right) talk to foreign tourists taken hostage by Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza after securing their release at Manila's Rizal Park today. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)"]
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