Eighteen people from Hong Kong and the Philippines are still on a bus being held by a heavily armed former policeman in central Manila. The city's vice Mayor says all hostages are safe.

Seven passengers, including three children, have been released from the bus. The remaining 18 hostages in the bus include 14 tourists, one tour guide, the bus driver and two cameramen.

Hong Kong tourist authorities have confirmed that the Hong Kong tour group has 20 tourists and one tour guide.

They are between the ages of 4 and 72. Negotiations to free the remaining hostages are under way.

The hostage-taker has been identified as former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. He's armed with an M16 rifle. Mendoza is demanding he be given back his job on the force.