Manila - Five suspected robbers were killed Wednesday in a shootout with policemen in a northern Philippine town, a provincial police chief said.

Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez said the suspects were killed after a brief car chase in Bayambang town in Pangasinan province, 150 kilometres north-west of Manila.

Nerez said the suspects rammed their vehicle into a police checkpoint in Wawa village, prompting the policemen to chase the suspects who opened fire.

A sixth suspect was able to escape during the shootout. No policemen were hurt in the firefight. (dpa)