MANILA, Philippines -- An alleged gunrunner who sold firearms to hold-up gangs was killed by Parañaque policemen on Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Baclaran.

Senior Superintendent Alfredo Valdez, Parañaque police chief, said suspect Romeo Gutierrez Jr. of Gen. Tinio Street, Bangkal, Makati City, died while undergoing treatment at San Juan de Dios hospital for a lone gunshot wound in the head.

Valdez said a poseur from their intelligence unit, which headed the operations, was about to buy a gun from the suspect at the Petron gas station around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Apparently sensing the setup, Gutierrez escaped on board his Mitsubishi Delica (XBJ-825), hit a Ford Expedition (WRS-741) before reportedly shooting at the cops, who returned fire, Valdez said.

The suspect's vehicle then smashed the center island, as the policemen took Gutierrez to the hospital where he expired at 11:48 p.m.

A .45 pistol with one live ammunition and a .45 caliber magazine with five live ammunitions were recovered by authorities from Gutierrez's car.

Valdez claimed they had information that the suspect supplied guns to a certain "Maynard" of True Brown Style gang, which was allegedly involved in bus hold-ups.

"We also have a complainant who pointed at the suspect as behind a hold-up," he said.