Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — An attempted robbery-turned-hostage-taking in Manila ended in the death of an unidentified man on Thursday afternoon (October 8).
According to the driver of an HM Transit bus, the man was tailing a passenger — apparently to rob him — but the target victim sensed danger and got off the bus on Taft Avenue near Pedro Gil Street.
Losing sight of his intended victim, the man reportedly lost his temper and grabbed one of the female passengers instead.
The situation lasted about 30 minutes, allowing for some negotiation, but eventually, one policeman decided to shoot the hostage-taker.
The unidentified man was brought to the nearby Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where he was declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, newly-installed Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento commended members of the Manila Police District (MPD) for their quick response to the situation.
Sarmiento said that this was a result of the heightened visibility of policemen in the streets as part of Oplan Lambat Sibat.
CNN Philippines’ Yumi Lugod contributed to this story.
