TWO suspected thieves were slain during an encounter with the police after allegedly victimizing a woman in Quezon City before dawn Saturday.

Officer-on-case PO3 Roland Belgica said they are still determining the identities of the slain suspects who were killed during a shootout with policemen at around 3:20 a.m. on Llanas St., Bgy. Sangandaan.

The two suspects were positively identified by their victim Catherine Lumio, 36, of Macaba Compound, Upper Banlat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

The investigator noted that both suspects had numerous tattoos and one of them was “Bahala Na Gang” on the left shoulder.

Lumio said the suspects took her pouch bag containing two watches and P1,000 in cash at around 2:40 a.m. on Tandang Sora Extension, in front of Banco de Oro.

Police were able find in the possession of the suspects two cal. .38 revolvers and the pouch without the money.

Lumio recounted that she was on her way home waiting for a taxi when the two suspects appeared.

She said that the suspects declared a holdup and at gunpoint took her pouch then fled towards Bgy. Sangandaan.   

The complainant chanced upon a passing police patrol car and reported the incident.

Patrolmen then asked for more policemen and then accompanied Lumio in searching for the suspects.

Eventually, Lumio was able to spot the suspects walking along Llanas St.

However, the suspects, upon seeing the policemen, pulled  out their handguns and fired at the authorities.

Policemen were forced to retaliate and killed the suspects on the spot.