MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Police attacked a Manila tour bus on which at least 16 people were held hostage Monday by a former police officer, GMANews.TV reported.
Rapid gunfire was heard in the area, GMANews.TV said. A bystander was struck by a stray bullet and taken to a hospital.
The police assault began minutes after the bus driver escaped from the vehicle commandeered by ex-officer Rolando Mendoza, officials said.
Reports indicate about 30 SWAT members were involved in the attack, with some police officers taking sledgehammers to the bus's windows.
Mendoza boarded the Hong Thai Travel bus with 22 Chinese from Hong Kong and three Filipinos about 9 a.m. Police said Mendoza had a firearm, possibly an M-16 rifle.
Police immobilized the bus by shooting at its tires when it appeared it was leaving the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, officials said.
Nine of the bus passengers had been released before the driver escaped, GMANews.TV said.
The gunfire began after police officer Gregorio Mendoza, brother of the hijacker, was arrested by Manila police. No other information about the arrest was available. UPI
