4 carjackers killed in shootout with police

MANILA -- Four suspected car thieves, including an ex-convict, were killed in a shootout with police operatives in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday, a top police official said.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Leonardo Espina said that before the incident, they received information from a confidential informant about the sale of a carjacked Toyota Vios car, with plate number ZCN 566, for only P150,000.

Upon receipt of the report, Espina said they designed an entrapment operation at the Total Gas Station in Alabang Center for the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the vehicle.

Later investigation disclosed that the car, owned by call center agent Mary Joy Tabora, was carnapped last October 20 in Manila. Its original plate number is ZCH 143. The ZCN 556 plate number attached to it belongs to a Toyota Hi-Lux pick up vehicle.

Around 1:05 a.m., Espina said the car thieves arrived at the site. However, when policemen were about to accost the suspects, the car thieves escaped aboard the stolen car, ensuing a chase.

"(The) suspects, who were determined to escape, opened fire at the operatives and a running gun battle ensued until they were finally cornered at Victoria Homes, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa," said Espina.

Espina said the suspects' car went out of control and rammed at a concrete fence. "Instead of surrendering, suspects engaged the operatives in a shootout," added Espina.

One of the suspects was identified as Arnel Canque, an ex-convict who was recently released from prison. Police said Canque is responsible for a number of carjacking incidents in Quezon City and Manila and had been disguising himself as a police officer in consummating his crimes.

Recovered at the site were the stolen vehicle, two caliber 45 pistols, two caliber 38 revolver, spent cartridge shells, and blue police patrol shirt.(VR/Sunnex)