3 rob suspects killed in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers shot dead three alleged robbers in a shootout at the Dimasalang Bridge in Sampaloc, Manila at past midnight yesterday.

The shootout happened a day after policemen from the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4 killed two robbery suspects near the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Sampaloc.

Investigators said the three men hailed a jeepney with four passengers at around 1 a.m. and announced the heist shortly before approaching Tiago street. Victims Chris Manlulu and Dennis Laksa said the men told them they would not be harmed if they just give their money and valuables.

“When we reached Tiago street, we were told to get off the jeepney,” Manlulu said. 

However, a roving mobile patrol team saw the incident. They chased the suspects, who were at the bridge. Instead of yielding, the suspects reportedly attacked the policemen, triggering a shootout.

Superintendent Ricardo Layug said police officers recovered two .38 revolvers and a .45 automatic pistol and the victims’ money and belongings.

“The public should be alert during in times of calamities because it is during this period that criminals are coming out and attacking innocent civilians,” Layug said.