3 suspected gas station robbers killed in Batangas shootout 

LIPA CITY, Philippines -Three suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with the police in this city early on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, regional police spokesperson, said authorities have yet to identify the slain robbers and their companion, who managed to escape during the gunfight.

Gaoiran said the incident happened at around 1 a.m. in Barangay (village) Luta Sur, in the adjacent town of Malvar in Batangas province.

An initial report from the Batangas police said the three men robbed a gasoline station in Barangay Bugtong, here, before escaping onboard two motorcycles.

Police said the men were headed towards Malvar town when they were ordered to stop in a police checkpoint along the J.P. Laurel Highway. But instead of stopping, the men sped past the authorities and started to shoot.

Members of the Malvar police, together with members of the Batangas police intelligence unit who were near the area for a buy-bust operation, chased the suspects until Barangay Luta Sur.

On reaching Barangay Luta Sur, police said the suspects again fired shots, forcing the chaising policemen to return fire.

Seized from the suspected robbers were three .45 caliber pistols and two motorcycles.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)