Hijacker among the dead. There were 25 hostages in all. Six had been released. Among them three children. 19 remained captive: 16 are from Hong Kong, three are Filipinos. The hijacker had been fired by police on charges of theft, extortion and drug-related offenses.

 Manila (AsiaNews) - The Philippine police have foiled the hijacking of a bus of tourists, breaking into the vehicle and killing the kidnapper. According to the Chinese embassy in Manila, nine passengers have been killed and six injured. Hong Kong government later confirmed seven hostages dead, two heavily wounded and six slightly injured.

A policeman fired two years ago this morning hijacked a bus with 25 tourists - mostly from Hong Kong. Armed with a rifle, he demanded re-integration into the police force. The bus is parked near the Rizal Park in the centre in the capital, an area frequented by tourists. The Deputy Director of Police of Manila, Rodolfo Magtibay said that during negotiations six hostages were released. Among them three children. Others released included an elderly woman, a mother and a local guide. 19 hostages remained on the bus, 16 from Hong Kong and three Filipinos. There were still more children on the bus.

The police said that the author of the hijack was Rolando Mendoza who was discharged in 2008, accused of theft, extortion and other crimes related to the drug trade.

The local TV station filmed the police raid. After hearing gunshots inside the bus, the police stormed the vehicle and killed the kidnapper. According to the Chinese embassy in Manila, nine passengers have been killed.

In the pictures police can be seen pulling at least two dead bodies and several injured from the vehicle. The Hong Kong government has prepared a flight at midnight to bring the released hostages home.

• Philippines
• police
• hijack
• bus
• hostage
• manila
• children
• hong
• kong
• drugs
• extortion