Three unidentified men suspected to be car thieves were killed in an encounter with police officers in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Wednesday morning.
Initial investigation by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said police officers were on patrol along Republic Avenue when they received information that a taxicab had been stolen by four unidentified men near Nawasa Lane.
Police then launched a hot pursuit operation that led to a chase along Sampaguita Street. Police said the three suspects opened fire at the pursuing police officers after they were cornered at Leon Street.
The police officers then returned fire and the three suspects were killed. The fourth suspect managed to escape, police said.
One of the slain suspects wore a black shirt and a pair of green camouflage shorts, the second suspect was wearing a blue shirt and denim pants, the third suspect meanwhile was wearing a black shirt and a pair of checkered shorts. All three wore black caps and balaclavas, police said.
Investigators recovered at the crime scene the stolen taxi, a white Toyota Vios (TYK-697) owned by Bonjoefel Transport. Also recovered at the scene were a .45 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, and a .38 caliber revolver.
Also seized at the scene were five sachets of shabu, a sling bag, and 14 spent shells of different calibers. /muf