Police killed a suspected member of a notorious carjacking syndicate in an encounter in Quezon City before dawn Tuesday.
Chief Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, Quezon City Police District director, identified the suspect as Randy Madrigal of Valenzuela City.
Gatdula said the suspect is a member of the Madrigal carjacking syndicate that preys on Toyota Innova owners mostly in Quezon City.
The police official said his men responded to information about a group of gunmen circling the area of Commonwealth Avenue-Villongco area on board a Nissan Sentra and another vehicle shortly after midnight.
Gatdula said Madrigal and four other gunmen opened fire upon seeing the responding policemen. A firefight ensued until the four gunmen retreated, leaving behind Madrigal.
Madrigal's body was found inside the Nissan Sentra. A .45 pistol was recovered beside the body.
Policemen also recovered a Toyota Innova and a .38 revolver near the site of the gunfight.
Police launched follow-up operations for the arrest of the four other suspects.