2 robbery suspects killed in Tondo shootout

MANILA, Philippines—Two alleged robbery suspects were killed in a shootout with authorities in Tondo, Manila late Thursday, police said.

The two still unidentified male suspects—aged 25-30 and 40-45 years old—were killed following a fire-fight with police around 11:30 p.m. Thursday along Zaragoza Street, Pier 4 in Tondo, said Senior Police Officer 1 Charles John Duran.

Duran said the suspects robbed Ruby Gomez Alcasid, 21, who shouted for help. He said that police responded after hearing the screams of Alcasid.

But instead of yielding, the suspects fired at responding officers using a 357 magnum revolver and caliber .22 pistols, prompting police to shoot back, he said.

“Nanlaban kasi sila dahil armed sila (They fought back because they were armed),” Duran said.

Looted items from Alcasid—a bag containing a Nokia cellphone and a P3,350 cash—were all recovered from the suspects, as well as their firearms, Duran said.

Investigation was ongoing to identify the suspects, he said.