Fatal Shooting in Nueva Ecija Claims the Lives of a 60-Year-Old Female and a 55-Year-Old Male

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Buses Urged to Enhance Security Measures Following Fatal Shooting Incident in Nueva Ecija

November 17, 2023

Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITC) has called for additional security features to be implemented on buses in the wake of a tragic shooting incident that occurred inside a bus in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The incident has prompted concerns about the safety of passengers and the need for stricter security measures in public transportation.

During a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, Jason Salvador, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at PITX, suggested that passengers should only be picked up and dropped off at designated terminals. He emphasized that terminals provide the opportunity for thorough baggage checks and the creation of passenger manifests, which can significantly enhance security measures. However, Salvador acknowledged that some buses may not be able to strictly adhere to terminal pick-up and drop-off points. In such cases, he proposed the use of metal detectors on passengers before they board the bus to detect any dangerous metallic objects that could potentially be used as weapons against other passengers.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that a show cause order will be issued to Victory Liner, the bus company involved in the fatal shooting. This order will pave the way for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Victory Liner has assured cooperation with the Philippine National Police, and the bus driver has been identified as a witness to the crime.

The shooting incident, which was captured on a security camera, quickly went viral on social media. The video shows the suspects shooting the victims at close range in the head and neck before fleeing the scene. The victims, a 60-year-old female from Cauayan, Isabela, and a 55-year-old male from South Cotabato, tragically lost their lives in the incident.

According to the police report, the bus was traveling through a mountainous area of Barangay Minuli, Carranglan when the two suspects carried out the attack on November 15 at 12:50 p.m. Investigators are currently exploring all possible motives and leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police have identified the son of the female victim as a person of interest due to a previous carnapping charge filed against him by his mother. However, the son has vehemently denied any involvement in the fatal shooting.

In response to the incident, Victory Liner Incorporated has announced plans to enhance its security measures. Ricky Rivera, the Communications Head of Victory Liner Inc., stated that the Department of Transportation Secretary has issued an order to tighten security not only in terminals but also in various other areas. Rivera emphasized that this measure aims to instill fear in criminals and create an environment in which they cannot escape the consequences of their actions. He further reassured passengers by highlighting the importance of their personal security and urged them to remain vigilant while using public transportation.

Rivera also mentioned that drivers will receive training to equip them with the necessary skills to handle similar incidents. He acknowledged that the bus driver involved in the shooting was traumatized and is currently undergoing psychological counseling provided by a professional company hired by Victory Liner.

While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, Victory Liner has pledged to accept and comply with any decisions made by the government regarding the matter. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize passenger safety and implement robust security measures in public transportation systems across the country.

— DVM, GMA Integrated News.