Gunman slain in Parañaque shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A man driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) was killed when he engaged lawmen in a running gun battle that began in Parañaque City and ended in Las Piñas Thursday night, an official said yesterday.

Timothy James Alon, of Talon 2 in Las Piñas, was driving a black Mitsubishi Montero with plate number UZI-388 led policemen on a car chase that lasted around 30 minutes, according to Las Piñas police chief Senior Superintendent Ariel Andrade.

Alon was being chased by a motorcycle-riding policeman from Muntinlupa, who called for assistance. There are reports that the policeman responded to a shooting, he said.

“The SUV was swerving and hitting vehicles while speeding away,” Andrade said.

The running gun battle started along Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes and ended at El Grande Avenue in Las Piñas, during which Alon reportedly shot at the lawmen chasing him and hit at least five vehicles, he said.

Andrade said Alon’s two companions escaped before the policemen caught up with the vehicle.