Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Philippine Hostage-Taker Releases 7 of 25 Captives Former police official demands to have his job back VOA News 23 August 2010 Photo: AP Hostage negotiators, left and right, talk to foreign tourists taken hostage by Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza after securing their release at Manila's Rizal Park Monday Aug. 23, 2010. An ex-policeman who hijacked a tour bus in the Philippine capital Monday has released seven of the Hong Kong hostages he has been holding.  As many as 18 hostages remain on the bus, which is parked across several lanes of a roadway near a park in Manila. The man, identified as former senior inspector Rolando Mendoza, first released two women, then a woman and three children, and finally an elderly man over a span of hours. Authorities say three Filipinos, including the bus driver, are being held captive along with the tourists from Hong Kong. Police are negotiating with Mendoza who is armed with an assault rifle.  Food was delivered to the hostages. Mendoza also asked for fuel to keep the air conditioner on the bus operating. Mendoza was fired from the Metro Manila police force in 2008 on charges of extortion and harassment.  Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo of the Manila police district told a news conference that Mendoza is demanding to have his name cleared and that he be reinstated. The official said violence would be a last resort. Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .