Manila police optimistic hostages will be released

The release of eight hostages so far from a tourist bus being held by a heavily armed former policeman in central Manila shows negotiations are progressing, with the rest of the hostages likely to be released later on Monday, a police spokesman said.

"I am optimistic that maybe by 3 o' clock (0700 GMT) he will release all the hostages," Chief Superintendent Erwin Margarejo told reporters. There were still 17 mostly foreign hostages inside the bus. (Reuters)