ANKARA 

Panic gripped parts of the Philippines’ capital, Manila, on Monday morning after many people, including vendors, were taken hostage by an ex-security guard, local media reported.

Manila Mayor Francis Zamora said that a security guard held dozens hostage at a mall in San Juan area, the local daily Rappler said.

The gunman, also carrying grenade, opened fired, injuring one who is said to be stable in the hospital. Shopkeepers and visitors were immediately evacuated from the site.

Greenhills Center Management, the mall where the hostage case is ongoing, said some of the hostages are employees. The mall is currently under lockdown.

“A fellow security guard was injured, but has already been brought to the hospital. Our priority right now is to ensure the safety of the employees, and of the public,” said a statement by the mall.

It is believed that the hostage crisis was triggered after the security guard was fired from his job.

The hostage-taker, a former employee of a security firm, was absent from his duty without leave for two weeks.