2 rob suspects slain in Cavite shootout

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Philippines—Two alleged robbers were killed in what the authorities said was a shootout with police shortly after they robbed a woman early Tuesday in General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite.

Cavite police director Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao said in a text message that the two had robbed Arcely Batiles, who was waiting for a ride in Barangay (village) Pulido, GMA, prior to the shootout with a team of policemen on patrol at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The two men, who were on a motorcycle, snatched Batiles’ handbag, which contained P10,000 in cash and important documents, as they drove past her, Bulalacao said.

A few minutes after the snatching, a team of policemen patrolling the area passed by and noticed a commotion.

Supt. Romeo Baleros, chief of the Cavite police intelligence branch, said the policemen chased the robbers who, once cornered, opened fire, prompting the policemen to retaliate.

Police recovered .45-cal. and .38-cal. pistols as well as the victim’s bag from the slain men, whose identifies had yet to be established as ofTuesday morning, Baleros said.—With Jamie Marie Elona