Manila shootout kills 16

Sixteen people have been killed in a shoot-out between gunmen and police authorities in Sucat, Parañaque, Philippines.

Among those killed in the firefight were three civilians, 10 suspected robbers, one policeman, the police said

Alfonso de Vera, 53, and his seven-year-old daughter Alyanna were also killed by members of police Special Action Force, according to witnesses. 

Manila police chief Leopoldo Bataoil said the men had belonged to a gang that was planning to rob a warehouse in the suburb of Paranaque.

The men, some armed with rifles fitted with grenade launchers, started firing indiscriminately after realising police were following them, he added.

~ by topofthenews on December 6, 2008.