2 suspected robbers shot dead in Manila encounter

At least two suspected robbers were shot dead in a predawn encounter with police in Manila’s Sampaloc district on Saturday. The suspects, who were not immediately identified, had just staged a holdup and were fleeing aboard a motorcycle when police intercepted them, radio dzBB reported. Police said the suspects fired at them first, prompting them to return fire and kill them. Recovered from the suspects were cal-.38 revolvers, the report added. The police have been implementing stricter security measures in time for the opening of classes on June 6. Metro Manila police head Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima had ordered intensified anti-crime operations in time for the start of the new school year. — LBG, GMA News