A gunman was killed while his companion was injured in an encounter with responding police officers and Philippine Marines personnel in Cotabato City.

Authorities said the gunman and his companion were riding a motorcycle when they shot two men, a 41-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and a 46-year-old house painter, who were chatting by the road.

The victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital.

“Maya-maya, may riding-in tandem, dalawang lalaki po ito at pinagbabaril itong dalawang biktima natin. Yung unang biktima, tinamaan sa kanang balikat ng katawan, yung victim 2, natamaaan sa kanang bahagi sa likod,” Cotabato City Police Office Spokesperson, Lt. Rochelle Evangelista, said.

After the incident, the riding-in-tandem suspects were intercepted by patrolling Marines and police in the area.

One of the suspects was killed after he allegedly fought back. The other suspect who was driving the motorcycle was also shot and wounded. He was arrested and brought to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities are investigating whether the suspects are part of a gun-for-hire group.

“About the issue of gun for hire yan ay titingnan ng ating kapulisan kung ano talaga ang real  information related sa nagawa nitong suspek but as of yung ating motive, ang dahilan dito ay personal grudge pa,” Evangelista added.