2 robbers slain in QC shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two of three alleged robbers were killed in what police said was a shootout shortly after they pulled off a heist inside a passenger jeepney along Quezon Avenue, Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

One of the slain suspects was identified as Leonardo Alvarez Jr. through his barangay identification card, police said.

The other suspect remains unidentified. Their cohort managed to escape, said Quezon City Police District (QCPD)director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

Police said two complainants tagged the slain suspects as the ones who robbed them.

Albano said policemen recovered from the suspects a caliber .38 and a caliber .22 guns.

Two mobile phones stolen from the passengers were also recovered from the suspects.

The suspects flagged down the jeepney along Banawe Road. A few minutes later, they declared a holdup and started divesting the passengers of their cash and valuables.

However, patrolling policemen from the QCPD-Station 11 noticed the commotion and tailed the vehicle.

As the jeepney stopped, the suspects scampered while firing their guns at the policemen who were forced to retaliate, killing two suspects on the spot.