MANILA (Updated) -- The mastermind of a carnapping syndicate responsible for a series of carjacking incidents in Metro Manila was declared dead on arrival in a hospital, police said Monday.

Ivan Padilla, who led a group that carnapped the vehicles of Ambassador Roberto Romulo and mother of actor Derek Ramsay last week, figured in a shootout with policemen around 4:30 a.m. Monday in Makati Avenue, resulting in his death.

He sustained at least three gunshot wounds, said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Roberto Rosales.

The shootout ensued when Padilla resisted arrest and fired upon the policemen. NCRPO earlier launched a manhunt operation against the suspect. (Sunnex)