The Philippine Online Chronicles

An unconfirmed report from the driver of a bus hijacked by former police inspector Rolando Mendoza said that all 15 of the hostages, mostly Chinese nationals, remaining in the bus were killed.

This came after the driver escaped from the vehicle, parked at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Moments later, the hostage taker fired several shots at an approaching police assault team attempting to rout him from his position.

A gunfight is currently in progress, according to live television feeds.

The gunfight came after policemen arrested Mendoza's brother Gregorio, who was accused of being an accessory to the crime. Rolando Mendoza learned of his brother's arrest from media reports, after which he allegedly killed the hostages.

Police have yet to break into the bus.

As of 9:00 p.m., GMANews.tv said that survivors were rescued after Mendoza was killed by police. At least four were brought to the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment.

A 10-year-old boy, a bystander, was hurt, possibly by ricocheting bullets, reported inquirer.net.

Related story here.