Robbery suspect dies in shootout with Quezon City policemen

MANILA, Philippines — A man who allegedly robbed a spa in Quezon City died after engaging police in a shootout late Tuesday night.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr. on Wednesday identified the suspect as Alvin Gutan, 32.

According to QCPD, Gutan entered a spa in Barangay San Antonio around 2:00 a.m. Tuesday and requested for a massage.

But after the massage, Gutan allegedly pulled out a handgun and declared a heist.

He allegedly divested four spa personnel of still undetermined amount of cash and other valuables such as cellphones and gold accessories, according to police.

The victims reported the incident to village officials, who then relayed it to QCPD Police Station 2 (Masambong), which then responded to the case.

Policemen found the suspect around 11 p.m.  Tuesday in Barangay Del Monte. But as they were to arrest him, the suspect allegedly opened fire. A brief gun fight ensued, eventually killing Gutan on the spot.

Police said they recovered from the suspect a caliber .38 revolver with four bullets, several fired cartridges, four sachets of suspected “shabu,” a lighter, and a motorcycle without a plate number. /kga