2 suspected jail escapees shot dead in Ormoc

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – Two suspected escapees from the Tacloban City jail were killed after they fired at policemen patrolling the streets here yesterday morning.

One of them was described as 35-40 years old with tattoos of “BCJ” (or Batang City Jail) and “Louie Jay” on the right arm. The other one had tattoos on the shoulders, said police investigator SPO4 Mark Ruita. A third man managed to escape.

Ruita said a police team led by their police chief and another team from the Regional Public Safety Battalion were conducting a routine patrol when they saw the three men near a bank.

When the lawmen approached them, the three scampered toward Mabini Street, at the back of the bank. When the cops gave chase, one of the men fired at the police vehicle, triggering the shootout.

A .38-caliber revolver, several sachets of shabu and cash were found in the slain men’s possession.