3 suspected robbers slain in shootout in Manila

MANILA, Philippines—Three suspected robbers were reported killed in a firefight with policemen in Manila’s Sta. Cruz district before dawn Wednesday.

Police Officer 3 Rodel Benitez said the three still unidentified suspects were fatally hit during the shootout on Dimasalang Bridge in Sta. Cruz, Manila, which happened around 1:30 a.m. shortly after they had allegedly robbed four people.

Benitez said Manila Police District station 3 cops were conducting anti-criminality operations in the area when four people called their attention saying that they had just been robbed by the trio, who were described to be about 35 to 37 years old.

The responding cops, along with the victims, scoured the area and spotted the suspects in Dimasalang Bridge, Benitez said, adding that suspects opened fire first.

He said the police officers retaliated, resulting in the death of the suspects.

Retrieved at the crime scene were the stolen items, as well as a .45-cal. government model 1911 pistol (serial number 1015712); two .38-cal. revolvers; and empty shells of a .45-cal. and 9mm pistol, Benitez said.

He said the slain suspects were positively identified by the complainants as the persons who had robbed them of their belongings at gunpoint.