MANILA, Philippines - Police shot dead three carjackers who had robbed a taxi driver of his cash and vehicle in Project 6, Quezon City early Tuesday.

Victim Joel Villona said he had picked up one of the suspects who asked to be brought to Culiat in Tandang Sora. He said his passenger asked him to enter a narrow street on Project 6 when the two other suspects suddenly arrived and robbed him at gunpoint.

"Sabi niya pumasok ako dun sa gate, kukunin niya lang asawa niya dahil manganganak na. Tapos pagtingin ko sa side mirror biglang may 2 dumating tinutukan ako," he said. He added that the suspects also drove away with the taxi, leaving him behind.

Superintendent Marcelino Pedroso, Quezon City Police District chief, said a mobile patrol unit spotted the stolen vehicle near Visayas Avenue after receiving news about the robbery. He said several mobile units chased the vehicle, which drove away to Congressional Avenue where it rammed a center island.

The three suspects shot at the police while trying to escape but were gunned down.

Pedroso said the suspects might have stolen the taxi to victimize other passengers who would try to ride the vehicle. He said Villona's wallet and other valuables were recovered from the three.