Two dead, three wounded in Philippine capital shooting

MANILA - Two people have been killed and three others, including two police officers, have been wounded when two armed men on a motorcycle shot against a police team in Manila, the Philippine police said on Saturday.

Police said the shooting broke out before 10pm local time on Friday when police stopped the motorcycle-riding men at a police checkpoint. While the team was inquiring and inspecting the motorcycle, one of the suspects allegedly drew a.45 caliber gun and shot at the police officers, police said.

A firefight ensued, killing the driver and wounding the passenger. The two policemen on duty also sustained gunshot wounds in the head. Both are recuperating in a hospital.

A stray bullet hit the head of a female resident in the area. She was pronounced dead at a city hospital, police added.

Helmeted armed criminals, usually in tandem, use motorcycles for illegal activities, preying on pedestrians in streets of the Philippines. - XINHUA