2 of 3 suspected robbers killed in Manila shootout

Two suspected motorcycle-riding robbers were shot dead following a sting operation in Manila's Sta. Ana district before dawn Wednesday. Police said the two men, who were not immediately identified, had been linked to a series of robberies in the area, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. Still at large is a third member of the gang who managed to elude arrest. Recovered from one of the suspects, who was killed at the corner of Santa Clara and Leyba Streets, were a handgun and a grenade. The second suspect was killed at the corner of Santa Clara and Lamayan Streets. Wednesday's predawn incident came hours after four suspected bus robbers were killed in a shootout with police along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Undercover policeman An initial investigation showed the two suspects tried to mug a victim who turned out to be a covert operative of the Manila Police District. The undercover policeman, PO2 Rolando Manibolo, drew his firearm and prepared to engage the suspects. When the suspects saw they were caught in a sting operation, they allegedly tried to flee, and initiated a running gunbattle with police. — RSJ, GMA News