2 motorcycle thieves slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two motorcycle thieves were killed during a gun battle with policemen in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Motorcycle owner Norman Sabado said the two men were among the three who robbed him of his green Honda Wave 30 minutes before the shootout, said Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

According to Albano, policemen recovered from the slain suspects Sabado’s motorcycle and two .38 caliber revolvers.

Police Officer 2 Alvin Quisumbing said they have yet to identify the two suspects slain during a shootout with policemen at around 4 a.m. in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon in Novaliches.

Sabado told police he was driving his motorcycle when he was blocked by three men on a motorcycle in nearby Barangay Gulod. He said they took his motorcycle at gunpoint and sped off.

He went to the QCPD Station 4 to report the crime. A patrol team spotted Sabado’s motorcycle on the road. The police officers chased the suspects, who shot at the lawmen, forcing them to retaliate.