16 killed in Philippines gang shootout
The shootout took place in the country's capital, Manila
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Saturday, 06, Dec 2008 06:17
At least 16 people were killed in a shootout between suspected robbers and police in the capital of the Philippines, Manila.
The incident occurred as police moved followed a gang of robbers they had been keeping a close eye on.
Manila police chief Leopoldo Bataoil said the armed group was looking to rob a warehouse in Paranaque when they sensed a police presence nearby and opened fire.
Gunmen, who were armed with grenades and rifles, then shot at the police and targeted a tanker carrying flammable fuel resulting an explosion.
A total of 16 fatalities have been confirmed so far. Details of the number of civilians and gunmen killed in the operation are yet to be released.
Police said they had been keeping a close eye on the gang whose members are known to dress in bullet proof vests and uniforms usually worn by the police.