BAGUIO CITY — Five robbery suspects were killed following a clash with police officers in Tabuk City, capital of Kalinga province, on Thursday, the police said.
Police Lt. Colonel Dinulong Tombali, Tabuk City police chief, said the five men belonged to a criminal group operating in Luzon and were also reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly marijuana.
The suspects, who were aboard a gray car, ignored a checkpoint and fired at the policemen, which led to a brief chase and a gunfight, authorities said.
Two suspects died immediately while the three others were initially reported as wounded but died while being taken to the hospital.
Police found 23 marijuana bricks worth P2.76 million inside the suspects’ car. Also recovered were four.45-caliber guns, cartridges, bullets, a holster, and an M26 hand grenade.
Authorities have yet to name the suspects. INQ
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