Alleged rob gang leader slain

MANILA, Philippines - A man who allegedly led a robbery gang was shot dead in an encounter with police officers in Mandaluyong City at past midnight yesterday.

Jonathan Ecleo, reported leader of the Calbayog robbery group, was identified as one of those who killed call center agent Adrian Pascual during a bus heist in July.

A team led by Senior Police Officer 3 Ray Sedanto rushed to the intersection of Boni Avenue and Ortigas Extension after receiving a tip about the presence of Ecleo and his gang in a taxi.

Ecleo – a resident of Calbayog street in Mandaluyong – died in the taxi folowing a shootout, said city police chief Senior Superintendent Florendo Quibuyen. His companions – brother Jesus Ecleo and Mariano Lim-it – were arrested. The suspects yielded three .38 caliber revolvers.