The world is stunned after a shoot-out in the Philippines with police has left eight dead after a former policeman took 24 Hong Kong tourists hostage.

The embittered officer, upset over his sacking two years ago for misconduct, took over the tour bus filled with visitors from Hong Kong. In a publicly drawn out ordeal, former policeman Rolando Mendoza, 55, was finally shot by marksmen after peaceful negotiations failed in Manila yesterday.

Mendoza’s poorly planned rampage began yesterday morning in Intramuros – the historic walled city. Armed with an automatic rifle, Mendoza boarded the tour bus and waited until reaching Jose Rizal park, nearby to Manila Bay, before announcing that he would hold the bus hostage until authorities promised to reinstate his position in the police force.

Sticking a hand written note to the tour bus door, Mendoza informed authorities that a ‘big mistake to correct a wrong decision’ would take place.

According to local media outlets, Mendoza was formerly a premier police officer in the police force, even earning a spot in the top ten officers in the Philippines. However, in 2008 Mendoza was sacked after a hotel manager accused him and four others of planting evidence at his property. The incident took place not long before Mendoza was set to retire.

Despite the authorities attempts to negotiate peacefully with Mendoza, talks failed after eight passengers were shot dead and marksmen were given the order to take Mendoza out. Filipino President Benigno Aquino said that attempts had been made to negotiate a peaceful end to the ordeal, but that it was clear Mendoza wished to harm others or himself.