Mendoza was initially willing to cooperate

"In effect she is saying, 'We shouldn't have ruled this out.' She is opening the door that the police chief had shut."

Former police officer Rolando Mendoza, who was apparently upset about having lost his job, took hostage a busload of tourists from Hong Kong.


Witnesses said Mendoza was initially willing to cooperate, but he was shot dead by police after authorities say he became violent and started shooting hostages.

Four men and four women were killed in the standoff. One passenger was critically wounded and six others were hospitalized with less serious injuries.

Rodolfo Matibay, district director of Manila police, took responsibility for how the incident was handled, saying he ordered the police assault on the bus, according to Gen. Leocaldo Santiago, regional director of Manila police.

He has been placed on administrative leave while the case is being investigated.