Philippines: Hostage situation reported in mall in San Juan (Manila) March 2

Event

A police officer in Manila has confirmed a hostage situation is ongoing at Virra Mall in Greenhills (San Juan) as of 12:30 (local time) on Monday, March 2. He said that gunshots were reported in the vicinity of the mall. Local media outlets report that a former security guard of the mall is holding approximately 30 people hostage inside the mall's administration office. Police are deployed to the area and the mall is in lockdown. Details are still emerging; avoid the area.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the shooting.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.