Hostage taking at Virra Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City. INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Police on Monday surrounded a shopping mall in an upscale district in San Juan City after gunshots rang out inside and sent shoppers rushing out in panic.
Police officials did not immediately provide details but local news reports say a former security guard has taken hostage several employees of V-Mall in Greenhills.
More than a dozen SWAT commandos were seen entering the mall, assault rifles ready. Policemen stood by outside, along with an ambulance.
Police Major Virgilio Timajo, spokesman of the Eastern Police District, confirmed that there was a shooting incident inside a mall in Greenhills.
A netizen, Jec Carlos, posted on Facebook several photos alleging that a hostage situation was taking place at the said mall.
“Live… Hostage Taking daw and barilan at Greenhills Mall bandang Theatre Mall and Vmall 2nd floor… May S.W.A.T. na,” the post read.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora also posted a Facebook video of the situation on the ground.
“Developing story: Hostage incident happening now in V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center,” the caption read. With reports from the Associated Press