Dismissed cop seizes tourist bus in Philippines

MANILA - A sacked police officer Monday seized a tourist bus in the Philippines with 22 Chinese nationals from Hong Kong and three Filipinos aboard, police said.

Six of the Chinese hostages, including three children, were freed unharmed one hour later after negotiations, said Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, the Manila City police chief.

The suspect, armed with an M16 assault rifle, hitched a ride with the bus and announced the hostage-taking as the tourists prepared to take a tour at the seaside Luneta Park, Magtibay said.

Police cordoned off the tourist bus, which was parked in front of a grandstand in Luneta Park. Some of the hostages were seen peeking through window curtains that had been drawn.

The suspect, identified as police officer Rolando Del Rosario Mendoza, was dismissed from service in January for extortion and harassment.

“The police officer insists he has done nothing wrong and wants authorities to look at his appeal,” Magtibay said.

Police initially identified the hostages as South Korean tourists but later clarified that they were from Hong Kong.