3 rob suspects slain in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Three robbery suspects were killed in a shootout with police officers in Manila before dawn yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Benigno Cayabyab reported that four men boarded a Monumento-bound passenger jeepney along Taft Avenue at around 4 a.m. Upon reaching the Bonifacio shrine in front of the Manila City Hall, the men pulled out their guns, announced the heist and divested the passengers of their cash and belongings. The four then alighted before the approach to MacArthur bridge and fled on foot.

Three of the passengers – Lincon Lazaro, 22; Jaclyn Lopez, 28; and Hector Lopez, 26 – sought help from policemen patrolling the area. The lawmen chased the suspects and cornered them along Muelle del Rio at the back of the Post Office building.

Three of the four suspects were killed in the ensuing shootout, while the fourth escaped. Police recovered the victims’ belongings from the slain suspects.

Two of the suspects bore Sputnik gang tattoos and were armed with .38 caliber revolvers, while the third had a toy gun, according to Manila Police District acting director Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez.

Gutierrez has ordered the deployment of more police foot patrols at night to secure shoppers. – Nestor Etolle, Sandy Araneta