2 bus rob suspects killed in Makati

Two alleged members of the “Nikelado Gang,” a notorious robbery group, were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen shortly after they held up a passenger bus in Makati City Wednesday night.

The suspects, who have yet to be identified, allegedly engaged Makati Anti Crime Unit (MACU) operatives in a firefight in an effort to elude arrest.

Makati City police chief Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz said members of the Nikelado Gang are known for using chrome-plated guns.

According to him, the shootout happened at around 11:10 p.m. at the corner of Chino Roces Avenue and EDSA where the suspects fled after getting off a Marlea air-conditioned passenger bus bound for Baclaran.

The suspects allegedly declared a heist while the vehicle was cruising near Estrella street, threatening the driver at gunpoint while divesting passengers of their valuables.

The robbers alighted near the Magallanes interchange and were walking along Chino Roces Avenue when they saw a MACU mobile patrol vehicle in the area.

The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police vehicle, triggering a firefight.

Criminal Investigation Unit chief Superintendent Manny Santos said one suspect died on the spot while the other expired while being rushed to the Ospital ng Makati.

Santos also reported that Police Officer 3 Rizaldo Abalos sustained minor injuries from the firefight.

The police were able to retrieve a grenade, .45 caliber shells, a .45 caliber pistol, 14 cellular phones, nine wallets and two wristwatches from the suspects.