Thaindian News

MANILA (BNO NEWS) – At least seven hostages were killed after a 10-hour drama in which a former police officer took 25 people hostage on a tour bus in the Philippines, before being shot by law enforcement.

Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, 55, who was had lost his job one year ago for “misconduct unbecoming,” flagged down a tour bus and asked for a ride. Wearing his uniform and carrying a rifle, he made his way into the bus even though the tour guide for Hong Thai Travel tried to stop him. The bus was carrying 22 Chinese tourists and 3 Filipino employees.

On board, Mendoza, who was reportedly armed with an M-16, a 9mm rifle, and two hand grenades, asked the driver to lock the door and around 2 p.m., he placed signs on the window of the parked bus which read, “Big deal will start after 3 p.m. today” and “3 p.m. dead lock.” At that moment Mendoza did not threaten the hostages, which remained calm although somewhat confused.

Police cordoned the area around the bus and apporixamtely two hours later, the situation seemed to have remained the same. While some passengers peeked through the window curtains, a new sign showed, “Big mistake to correct a big wrong decision.”

Sharpshooters were positioned while law enforcement officials began to negotiate. Food was delivered to the hostages before nine of them were released.

Law enforcement officials also contacted the Chinese Embassy in Manila in order to inform the families of the hostages and to request help from officials.

As local authorities used hammers to tear down the windows and doors, Mendoza began firing. Police then used tear gas in an attempt to confirm whether the hostages were dead or alive.

Mendoza began shooting at the 15 remaining Chinese tourists on the bus, and Philippine police decided to raid and force their way in. Four tourists were seen crawling out the back door and one of the sharpshooters was able to kill the Mendoza with a gunshot to the head.

Local authorities and the Philippines Red Cross attended the freed victims and are currently interviewing the other hostages in order to reveal further information.