Four suspected members of a kidnap-for-ransom group were killed after escaping a police checkpoint and engaging lawmen in a shootout in Quezon City early Tuesday morning.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it rescued two men, identified as Edmer Tumagan and Michael Bongcaras, who were supposed victims of the four slain members of the Wilbert G Bonilla kidnap-for-ransom group.
The shootout transpired after the kidnappers, who were onboard a van, evaded a police checkpoint when they were spotted at Capitol Hills St. corner Zuzuarregui St. in Barangay Old Balara around 1:30 a.m.
Police set up a checkpoint in the area after receiving a report that the kidnappers planned to abduct a businessman in the city and were "monitored" to have already flagged down a vehicle, which was eventually found to be carrying the two victims.
"However, upon seeing the established checkpoint, the suspects suddenly made a left turn...and sped off in an attempt to escape," the police report said.
Police said the responding officers retaliated after the suspects fired at them.
Recovered from the kidnappers were several firearms, including pistols and a rifle, ammunition, and a total of four plastic sachets of suspected shabu, police added.