Rob suspect slain at Manila checkpoint

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected robber was shot dead at a police checkpoint in Tondo, Manila yesterday, bringing to six the number of robbery suspects killed in encounters with Manila Police District policemen in less than two weeks.

A team from the Don Bosco Police Community Precinct, led by Inspector Norman Cristobal, were manning a checkpoint along Pacheco street at past midnight yesterday when they spotted motorcycle driver Jose Cantuba being robbed by an unidentified man.

Upon seeing the lawmen, Cantuba turned his motorcycle toward them and screamed that he and his passengers were being robbed. The robber, aged 25 to 30, lunged at Senior Police Officer 2 Ramon Tabora with a kitchen knife. PO1 Alfred Sunga drew his gun and shot at the robber twice.