Gunman takes hostages in Manila mall, one shot

Philippine police  surrounded a shopping mall in an upscale district in Manila after gunshots rang out inside and sent shoppers rushing out in panic.

One person was shot and was being treated at the hospital, said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, ABS-CBN reports. The suspect, a "disgruntled" security guard, was believed to be carrying firearms and a grenade, he said. 

Police evacuated the V-Mall, popular among bargain-hunters looking for cell phones and toys, after receiving reports of gunshots in the area. "We are currently negotiating with this person," Zamora told ANC.

Police officials did not immediately provide details but local news reports say a former security guard has taken hostage several employees of the V-Mall in San Juan city.
Associated Press journalists saw more than a dozen SWAT commandos entering the mall, assault rifles ready. Policemen stood by outside, along with an ambulance.AP/The Standard. -Photo: ABS-CBN