3 rob suspects slain in Quezon City shootout

MANILA, Philippines – Three of five men who reportedly robbed the passengers of a public utility jeepney were killed in a gunbattle with policemen on patrol along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City Wednesday night.

The slain suspects’ two companions, as well as a girl aged around seven years old, fled during the firefight. Police said the suspects stored their loot in the girl’s backpack and used her as a human shield during the shootout.

According to the Quezon City Police District, the three slain suspects, each armed with a handgun, have yet to be identified. Two of them were in their 20s while the third one was in his early 30s.

Jeepney driver Francisco Baloro said the five suspects boarded his vehicle at a terminal in Barangay Greater Fairview. While along IBP Road, the suspects declared the heist, took his belongings and those of his two passengers and put them in the girl’s backpack.

The robbery caught the attention of patrolling policemen. When the lawmen introduced themselves, the suspects shot at them. One of the lawmen, Police Officer 1 Obed Anonuevo, was hit in the right shoulder and brought to the hospital.