Police in the Philippine capital Manila have moved in on a bus hijacked by a former police officer, after shots were heard on board.
The man, armed with an M-16 rifle, seized the bus early on Monday, in an apparent bid to get his job back.
As negotiations got under way he freed nine hostages, but 15 hostages remain on board.
Television images showed armed officers surrounding the bus and smashing windows and glass doors with hammers.
There are unconfirmed reports that the driver escaped from the bus shortly before the police moved in, says the BBC's Rachel Harvey.
Police did not appear to be coming under fire from the vehicle, inside which no movement was visible.
The gunman is reported to have told police that there are casualties on board - but this cannot be verified.
The gunman is a senior inspector reported to have been sacked over robbery and drugs claims. BBC News
