2 chicken store rob suspects shot dead

MANILA, Philippines – Two men suspected of robbing a roast chicken store of P3,000 and two whole chickens died when they allegedly engaged pursuing policemen in a shootout in Tondo, Manila Sunday night.

The still unidentified men were described as in their early 30s, of medium build and heavily tattooed. A .45 caliber pistol and a fan knife were recovered from the suspects, according to Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla.

Rongavilla said prior to the shooting, Raxabago police station chief Superintendent Ernesto Tendero Jr. received a complaint from two employees of a store selling roasted chicken that two men robbed them of P3,000 and two roasted chickens.

Responding to the complaint, Tendero formed a team led by SPO1 Arnel Tobias to scour the vicinity of the crime scene.

Together with the complainants, the police team spotted two men whose features fit the description of the robbers.

As the lawmen approached, one of the suspects reportedly shot at the policemen, triggering a shootout.

The wounded suspects were rushed to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival. – Nestor Etolle, Sandy Araneta