4 rob suspects slain in Bulacan shootout

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – Four suspected members of a robbery group were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen here yesterday morning.

Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina said a bystander and a police officer were also wounded in the encounter.

Divina said the slain suspects remain unidentified as of press time.

Malolos police chief Superintendent Arwin Tadeo said he deployed a team of intelligence operatives upon receiving information on a planned robbery of the Palayan sa Nayon Cooperative in Barangay Ligas.

Tadeo said the armed men fired at the police operatives, prompting the lawmen to retaliate. He said three of the suspects died at the scene while the fourth suspect, who tried to escape, was killed when he also shot it out with pursuing policemen.

Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad said the incident should forewarn crime groups that they are not welcome in this city. – Ric Sapnu, Ramon Lazaro