3 rob suspects slain in Laguna, Rizal shootouts

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Three suspected robbers were killed in separate shootouts in this province and in Rizal before dawn on Saturday.

The first incident occurred near a checkpoint in San Mateo, Rizal at around 3:30 a.m.

Town police chief Superintendent Ruben Piquero said officers manning the checkpoint in Barangay Gulod Mataas pulled over two motorcycle-riding  men, who ignored and reportedly shot at them, triggering a shootout.

Investigators said before the shootout, the suspects robbed a woman in the area.

After the firefight, bystanders told police the slain suspects were members of a robbery group operating in the town.

Two hours later, another shootout erupted between police officers and three suspected robbers who stole a motorcycle in Biñan, Laguna.

Jhodie Santiago, 23, complained to the police that three armed men on a motorcycle took his motorcycle parked in Barangay San Antonio.

City police chief Superintendent Serapin Petalio said one of the armed men shot at the pursuing police officers, triggering a firefight that left one of the suspects dead.

The two others escaped, leaving behind their slain companion and Santiago's motorcycle.