Three suspected holdup men were killed by policemen in an encounter in Marikina City, police said Wednesday.

The Marikina City Police Office said its operatives were patrolling Barangay Marikina Heights when they spotted and accosted two motorcycle-riding men.

Instead of stopping, the suspects fired at the policemen and sped off. The policemen caught up with the suspects while boarding a Toyota Tamaraw FX, occupied by three other suspects, on West Drive Street.

The Marikina City police said the suspects fired at the operatives again sparking a shootout.

Three of the gunmen died during the shootout. The two other suspects identified as Salvador Felipe and Alwyn Depano Jr. were arrested.