Hostage-taker former Police Senior Insp. Rolando Mendoza's initial demand was for the Office of the Ombudsman to act swiftly on his pending motion for reconsideration in connection with the administrative case filed against him and for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to reinstate him to his duty, said Police Chief Insp. Erwin Margarejo, spokesman of the MPD.

Based on records, Mendoza was dismissed from duty last year due to alleged extortion against a De La Salle University (DLSU) student whom he allegedly forced to swallow a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).

"Ang initial na demand niya ay i-release agad ng Ombudsman 'yung decision nung motion nya," the spokesman told reporters in a news briefing.

So far, Margarejo said that Mendoza had been cooperative with police negotiators.

"He was courteous, ok naman siya. He's been cooperating," he added.

Meanwhile, several Chinese Embassy officials arrived at the Quirino Grandstand at around 1:00 p.m. and met with the assigned negotiators.

Manila hostage-taking updates

See also:

• Palace meets with PNP on hostage drama
• Chinese Embassy to RP: ensure safety of hostage survivors
• Gunman killed; gov't gains control of bus
• Gov't debriefing hostages
• Manila hostage-taking over
• Philippine hostage crisis ends with several hostages alive
• Hostages at Rizal Park
• Hostage-taker a decorated cop with 17 medals
• Mendoza an 'honest' policeman
• Hostage-taker dismissed due to alleged extortion
• Hostage-taker just wants to be reinstated
• 8 passengers released from tourist bus hijacked in Manila
• 7 released in bus hostage taking
• Ex-policeman in Philippines holds tourists hostage