1 rob suspect slain in Manila shootout

MANILA, Philippines -  One of two alleged jeepney robbers was killed after they reportedly engaged policemen in a running gun battle in Sta. Cruz, Manila before dawn yesterday.

The still unidentified suspect was described as between 30 and 35 years old, at least 5’3” tall, slim and with tattoos of Ricky, Lot and Boy on the chest and Marlon, Ramon, Wilson Chua, Melchor, Boyet and Norma Bautista at the back.

A .38 caliber revolver was recovered from the slain suspect, who died on the spot, according to Police Officer 3 Giovanni Valera.

Police said passengers of an MCU Caloocan-bound jeepney sought the assistance of patrolling policemen after they were held up by two armed men while the vehicle was cruising along Rizal Ave­nue at past 3 a.m.

SPO2 Rogelio Abellera, PO2 Joseph Gutlay and PO1 Gareth Jay Afalla chased the fleeing suspects, who fled to Bambang street.

As the lawmen introduced themselves, the suspects shot at them, triggering a firefight. Minutes later, one of the suspects lay dead while his companion escaped by going into a nearby shantytown.

One of the victims identified the slain suspect as one of the men who held them up.