Nueva Ecija, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) investigators are analyzing CCTV footage following a fatal shooting on a provincial bus in Nueva Ecija.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman. During a press conference at Camp Crame on Thursday, Fajardo explained that the investigation is focused on determining whether more than two individuals were involved. The victims, who were live-in partners, were targeted by two unidentified suspects who boarded the bus in Nueva Ecija. Fajardo noted that the suspects may have been aware of the victims' movements, suggesting a premeditated attack.

The police report states that the shooting happened while the bus was traveling through a mountainous area in Barangay Minuli, Carranglan. The assailants, posing as passengers, opened fire on the victims who were seated in the front row, striking them six times in the head and neck. Both victims died on the spot and remain unidentified.

After the shooting, the gunmen fled the scene via a nearby river. The incident, captured by the bus's dash camera, has since become widely circulated online.

Fajardo revealed that one of the victim's family members, who chose to remain anonymous, identified the female victim as a 60-year-old from Cauayan City, Isabela, and her partner as approximately 55 years old from South Cotabato. The investigation is also exploring the potential involvement of the female victim's son, who had a documented dispute with her and is currently out on bail.

Despite the son's denial of involvement, the police are not ruling out his connection to the crime. Additionally, the PNP is investigating the role of a helper who escorted the couple to the bus terminal. In response to the incident, the PNP is considering coordinating with transportation terminal management to deploy bus marshals and security dogs for public safety.