Alleged hitman slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A man reported to be a contract killer was gunned down while his companion escaped during a shootout with police officers in Navotas City at past midnight yesterday.

Police officers responded to a tip that two armed men – suspected to be behind killings and robberies along Oliveros street in Barangay Tangos – were in the area at around 2 a.m. when Ace del Mundo, 32, and his still unidentified companion shot at them.

The lawmen shot at the two suspects, hitting Del Mundo in different parts of the body. Del Mundo’s companion ran and jumped into a nearby waterway to escape.

Investigators recovered a .45 caliber pistol and several .45 caliber and 9mm bullet shells from the scene of the shootout.