A disgruntled former shopping centre security guard, who went on a shooting rampage, has released his hostages, ending a day-long stand-off with police.

Officials said the man, identified as Archie Paray, walked out of V-Mall in San Juan, Manila - his former workplace - on Monday evening, along with his hostages, after shooting a security officer earlier in the morning.

Police said the gunman had rushed to the second floor of the complex where he held dozens of people - mainly employees - in an office. The number of hostages remains unclear.

Image: A security officer was shot during the stand-off

Image: The suspect was taken away by police after walking out with his hostages

After leaving the complex, the suspect was allowed to speak to reporters and authorities to air grievances against his former bosses, who he accused of corruption and abuse.

He was then apprehended by police.


More than a dozen special armed forces had stormed the mall in the Philippines capital, which had been evacuated and surrounded by emergency services.

Officials said the injured security officer was in a stable condition at a nearby hospital.

Image: Shoppers and staff were evacuated amid the ongoing stand-off

Image: Security personnel outside the mall as the hostage situation unfolded

Speaking during the stand-off, Mayor Francis Zamora said: "He felt bad because he was removed as a guard. He has expressed his disgust with regards to what happened to him."

He said the gunman had asked to speak to former colleagues and the media by video call and added: "At this point we cannot determine exactly how many are inside, our estimate is about 30 people are inside.

"Right now, his demands are first, he wants to talk to his fellow guards at the shopping mall, and second, he wants to face the media.

Image: A police SWAT team entered the Manila shopping centre

"But for now we have a negotiator who is talking to him, and we have evacuated everyone at the shopping mall.

"So the perimeter is safe, the area is safe, the mall is already in lockdown.

"We are exerting all effort to resolve this peacefully and the incident command system has been set up and we are now doing our very best to resolve this peacefully."

Aside from a gun, the suspect was also shouting that he had a grenade, though authorities could not immediately confirm that, Mr Zamora said.

Image: The area around the shopping centre in Manila was sealed off by police

Image: Members of a police SWAT team entered the mall

Mr Zamora said about 30-40 people were being held and that his estimate was based on the size of the administrative office where they were being held.

The suspect was complaining of "unequal treatment", according to a police report.

He is said to have been dismissed from work after abandoning his job in recent weeks without notifying management, Mr Zamora added.

Image: There was a heavy police presence throughout the day

More than a dozen SWAT commandos were seen entering the mall with their assault rifles ready during the stand-off.

The shopping centre - popular for its restaurants, shops and bars - is situated near an affluent residential area, a golf club and the police and military headquarters.