Nueva Ecija bus shooting: 3 suspects face raps

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges are being readied against three suspects in a fatal shooting incident in a bus in Nueva Ecija on Nov. 15.

Probers are finalizing the documentation and obtaining sworn statements from the relatives of the victims, Philippine National Police public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said.

She said the charges would be filed within the week.

On the identities of the suspects, Fajardo said they have the names of the two gunmen and the alleged mastermind.

She said the gunmen were identified through ballistic examination from previous shooting incidents in Echague, Isabela and Nueva Ecija. The suspects are believed to be hired killers.

Fajardo did not elaborate, saying she does not want to preempt the announcement of the Nueva Ecija police.

“Further information, including the possible motives, will be shared once the legal proceedings are complete,” she said.

Gloria Quillano, 60, and Arman Bautista, 55, were in a Victory Liner bus bound for Manila when they were shot while sleeping.

The gunmen emerged from the back seats of the bus while the vehicle traversed Barangay Minuli in Carranglan.