Manila  - A policeman and four suspected members of a robbery gang were killed in a shootout in a city outside the Philippine capital, a regional police chief said Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad said the gunfight erupted late Saturday when the slain suspects fired at police officers in San Antonio Village in San Pablo City in Laguna province, 80 kilometres south of Manila.

Palad said the police team went to the area following a tip from residents about the presence of armed men.

Palad identified the slain policeman as Ricuerdo Molleda, who was shot in the head declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Police officers recovered two shotguns and one pistol from the slain suspects.

Earlier on Saturday, seven suspected kidnappers were killed in police operations in Laguna and Cavite provinces that rescued a kidnapped Filipino-Chinese businessman unharmed. (dpa)