Gunbattle erupts on main street

Gunbattle erupts on main street

PHILIPPINES: At least 13 people were wounded when a gunbattle erupted between police and robbers in rush hour traffic on one of Manila's busiest streets on Monday.

Police said the gunfight at an intersection of the Edsa highway -- the main thoroughfare through the sprawling capital -- broke out after the robbers snatched a bag containing over one million pesos ($20,000) from an office messenger walking to a bank to deposit the money.

Police gave chase and the gunmen opened fire, officials said.

Four policemen and nine civilians were wounded in the shootout.

The robbers escaped and are now the target of a manhunt, police said.

The shooting erupted amid public concern over lawlessness on Manila streets despite President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's order for the police to crack down on crime gangs. --Reuters