2 carjack suspects shot dead

Two suspected carjackers were killed when they allegedly traded shots with Manila policemen shortly after midnight yesterday at a checkpoint in Malate, Manila.

Suspect George Anthony Baile, of Rubi street in San Andres Bukid, Manila, was identified through a driver’s license recovered in his possession, according to Manila Police District’s homicide section head Chief Inspector Alberto Peco.

The other fatality remains unidentified as of presstime. He was described as between 30 and 36 years old, at least 5’5” tall, and with close-cropped hair. He was wearing gray cargo pants, a blue t-shirt and brown rubber shoes.

Police recovered two .38 caliber revolvers from the suspects.

Peco said shortly before the shooting incident, a flash alarm was sent to all police units about a stolen 2002 model black Toyota Altis (XFV-831) owned by Regino Cabana, a corporate planner of Frabelle Fishing Corp. The car was reportedly stolen while parked in front of his residence in Singalong, Manila at around 5:30 a.m. Thursday.

At around 1 a.m. yesterday, a police checkpoint along Dagonoy street manned by Inspector Edgardo Ronquillo noticed a car corresponding to the description of Cabana’s vehicle about to pass through. Police officers flagged down the vehicle for verification, but the driver sped away. Lawmen chased the car as Ronquillo radioed for reinforcement from other police units.

The car’s occupants reportedly opened fire at the pursuing policemen, triggering a running gunbattle until the car crashed into the center island along Osmeña Highway near the corner of Quirino Avenue in San Andres. The suspects reportedly continued firing at the approaching lawmen.

Peco said the driver of the car managed to escape, leaving Baile dead on the back seat and the unidentified suspect dead on the pavement. Both sustained several bullet wounds in the head and body.

Shells from an M-16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and a .9mm pistol were recovered at the crime scene.

Peco said a massive manhunt for the remaining suspect has been launched.