2 PASSENGERS SHOT DEAD INSIDE BUS

TWO armed men wearing camouflage shorts on Wednesday afternoon shot a sleeping man and woman inside an airconditioned bus traveling on the mountainous part of Carranglan in Nueva Ecija.

The killing was recorded by the bus’ dashboard camera and went viral on social media.

A report by Carranglan police chief Maj. Rey Ian Agliam to Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. identified the victims as Gloria Mendoza, 60, of Purok 6, Bgy. Sta. Luciana, Cauyan City, Isabela, and Arman Bautista, 55, of Gen San Drive, Koronadal, South Cotabato.

The victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the head and neck and died on the spot.

An investigation showed the victims were allegedly on their way to a radio/TV program of Tulfo in Manila to seek help about a land dispute involving a property when slain.

Town police head Major Rey Ian Agliam said the gun attack occurred in Bgy. Minuli at 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

Prior to the killing, the two victims boarded the bus at the terminal of Victory Bus Liner in Cauyan, Isabela and were bound for Manila.

Upon reaching Bayombong, Nueva Ecija, the two suspects boarded the same bus.

In the viral video, when the bus slowed down near Bgy. Joson in Carranglan, the suspects got up, approached the victims who were seated beside each other, pulled out a cal. .45 gun and shot them in the head and neck.

The gunmen then commanded the driver to stop near a river on Maharlika Highway in Bgy. Minuli before alighting from the bus.

The bus driver drove towards a police assistance center in nearby Bgy. Joson and reported the incident.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean S. Fajardo said that the incident is being thoroughly investigated by the local police.

“We assure the public that we are doing everything to solve this incident. We are also implementing all police interventions to avoid a repetition of this senseless killing,” Fajardo said.

She added that they are studying the possibility of bringing back bus marshals to ensure the protection of the passengers.