CARRANGLAN, Nueva Ecija – Police have identified the man and a woman gunned down inside a provincial bus in this town on Wednesday afternoon, November 15.

POLICE have identified this man and his companion in the killing of a man and a woman inside a bus in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo via Liezle Inigo)

The Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office condemned the killing of Gloria Atillano, 60, of Purok 6, Santa Luceana, Cauayan City, Isabela, and Arman Bautista, 55, of Koronadal City, South Cotobato.

Nueva Ecija police chief Police Col. Richard Caballero said they are deeply saddened and shocked by the incident in this town where two innocent passengers fell victim to a senseless act of violence.

Caballero said they are actively investigating this heinous crime. “We assure the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. Such acts of violence have no place in our society, and we condemn them in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

Police urged people who have information on the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.

A southbound Victory Liner bus was traversing Barangay Minuli when two men stood up from the back and shot the victims who were sleeping in the front passenger seat conductor's side in the head and neck. The victims, wearing face masks, died on the spot.

The gunmen, who were also wearing face masks, ordered the bus driver to stop and disembarked on the Maharlika Highway near a river. The incident was recorded on the dashcam video of the bus that has gone viral.

Victory Liner is closely coordinating with authorities regarding the incident. "We are in coordination with the PNP to heighten further existing security protocols and precautions," Ricky Rivera, Victory Liner communications consultant, said.