2 robbers slain in Ermita shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two unidentified men who robbed the passengers of a jeepney in Ermita, Manila were killed when they allegedly shot it out with policemen shortly before midnight Thursday.

The two men and three accomplices boarded a Baclaran-bound jeepney along Taft Avenue near Rizal Park. The five men robbed the jeepney’s passengers and alighted with the loot upon reaching the Philippine General Hospital.

Members of the Manila Police District’s Tactical Motorcycle Reaction, led by Superintendent Jemar Modequillo saw the men running away and tried to stop them. Instead of yielding, the group shot at the lawmen, triggering a firefight. Two of the robbers, aged around 24 to 25, were killed while three others escaped.

Recovered from the slain robbers were a .38 caliber revolver, a homemade shotgun and two cell phones.