5 ‘car thieves’ slain in shootout with Benguet cops

BAGUIO CITY—At least five alleged car thieves were killed during a reported shootout Wednesday, June 30, with the police in Tuba town, Benguet province.

Initial reports showed that members of the police’s Regional Highway Patrol Group in the Cordillera launched a hot pursuit operation after receiving information about a hijacking incident in La Trinidad, the capital town of Benguet.

When the police reached Barangay Taloy Sur Proper along the Marcos Highway in Tuba around 3 a.m., the suspects reportedly engaged them in a firefight.

The armed encounter resulted in the death of the five suspects, who were on board two vehicles, the police said.

Two of the slain suspects wore police uniforms, witnesses said. INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON