Suspected thieves killed in clash with police in Nueva Ecija

GAPAN CITY, Philippines—Two suspected thieves were killed in a clash with policemen, who had responded to reports that a motorcycle was stolen on Tuesday afternoon in this Nueva Ecija city, a belated police report said.

Brothers John Lester Miranda, 25, and Jester Roeldan, 28, both of Cabanatuan City, were killed in a gunfight with police officers in Santo Niño village, said Supt. Peter Madria, city police chief.

Madria said the police had responded to an alert from Jar Ar Aguilar, 30, and Kevin Martin, 22, that two men had taken their motorcycle at gunpoint along Del Corro Street in Barangay (village) San Lorenzo at 3:45 p.m.

Forensic investigators recovered a .38-cal. revolver, several bullets and a sachet of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) from the site of the gun battle, police said.