3 robbers killed in encounters in Manila, Laguna

At least three suspected robbers were killed in separate encounters with police in Laguna province and in Manila’s Divisoria district. In Laguna, two suspected robbers were killed in a running gunbattle with police, moments after pulling off their last heist. “Dalawa ang naengkwentrong holdaper sa Calamba, sa Turbina. Mga 11:45 p.m. nagkaroon ng holdup sa Cabuyao, may na-holdup na negosyante natangay ang pasweldo pang bonus sa tauhan," Laguna police chief Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz said in an interview on dzBB radio. But he said at least one other suspect aboard a motorcycle at the time may have escaped during the shootout. Citing initial reports reaching him, he said his men were following up a flash report on a robbery when they encountered the suspects in a white Honda car, heading for Batangas. He said the men fired at the policemen, who were forced to fire back. While he said the policemen were not hurt, their patrol car was hit by some of the suspects’ shots. “Initially may nakitang dalawang baril at may gamit sa likod," he said. Meanwhile, in Manila, a suspected robber was shot dead after allegedly trying to shoot it out with police at the night market in Manila’s Divisoria district. The suspect had held up shopper Christine Garcia across the Tutuban Mall when he encountered a police team shortly before midnight, radio dzBB’s Paulo Santos reported. The report said police were forced to shoot the suspect, who was not immediately identified, because he was threatening the victim. The suspect was killed instantly after sustaining three gunshot wounds. Recovered from the suspect was a homemade handgun. — LBG, GMA News