7 ‘criminals’ killed in shootout with police

Seven suspected robbers and kidnappers were killed on Monday in a shootout with police in the northern Philippines, police said.

Aaron Aquino, a regional police director, said the suspects were in two vehicles and refused to stop at a checkpoint in Angeles City in Pampanga province, 74 kilometres north of Manila.

“The two vehicles separated but police chased them and eventually caught up with them, triggering the shootout,” he said.

“The suspects were alleged members of a criminal syndicate involved in carjacking, kidnapping and highway robbery.”

Police have stepped up operations against suspected criminals in the Philippines ahead of the assumption of office of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte on June 30.

Duterte has called on congress to re-impose the death penalty as part of his campaign to curb crime and corruption in the country.