MANILA, Philippines – Three suspected robbers held hostage a De La Salle University (DLSU) student yesterday afternoon after taking P10,000 from a courier firm along Quirino Avenue in Manila.

Radio station dzBB reported that three men robbed the outlet of delivery service firm LBC and tried to escape when patrolling policemen spotted them.

While being pursued by police, the men crossed Taft Avenue towards DLSU and grabbed a female student.

Reports said the suspects were carrying a tear gas gun but the device failed to work when they threw it at the mob chasing them.

Manila policemen arrested the suspects, who released the student unharmed. Television network GMA-7 reported that DLSU officials refused to comment on the incident.

Charges would be filed against the suspects, police said.

Parents expressed alarm over the incident and urged policemen to step up patrols in the area.