2 rob suspects slain in shootout

Two suspected robbers were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen in Tondo, Manila early yesterday.

The slain suspects remain unidentified as of press time. Police Officer 3 Jay Santos said the two men had several “jailhouse tattoos” indicating they may be “recidivists” or habitual criminals.

The police recovered a homemade .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber revolver, as well as several cartridges, from the suspects.

Investigation showed SPO4 Pablito Nero, SPO1 Roderick Lacangan and PO1 Reynaldo Olivo, all from the Jose Abad Santos police station, were on a routine patrol in a police car at around 3:25 a.m. when they noticed a commotion inside a Divisoria-bound passenger jeepney at the corner of Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Corregidor street.

The police officers approached the jeepney, but the suspects reportedly shot at them, triggering a shootout.

Call center employee Maritess Obrero and Angel Ramos told police at least five armed men held them up inside the passenger jeepney. They identified the slain suspects as two of the robbers. Police said the suspects’ companions managed to escape with the loot during the shootout.

Jose Abad Santos police station chief Superintendent Joemar Modequillo said he has directed his men to intensify patrols along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, especially at night and during the wee hours of the morning, due to rampant robberies in the area.