The firearm used by gunmen in the bus shooting in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on November 21, 2023 is allegedly linked to other shooting incidents in the province, as well as in Isabela, police say. 

The revelation is part of the results of the examination on the bullet casings recovered from the crime scene, raising concerns the suspects in the shooting may be hired killers. 

PCPT. Franklin Sindac, information officer of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, is optimistic about the progress of the investigation.  

"Napakaganda ng tinatakbo ng pangangalap ng investigation. May mga passive development. Sa ngayon hindi pa namin pwedeng i-divulge dahil baka masunog," he says.

The police provincial office is awaiting the final results of the ballistic examination from the PNP Headquarters.

The shooting incident, which happened on November 15, 2023, led to the death of two business owners who were shot fatally while on a bus in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. 

According to reports, two assailants from the rear part of the bus stood up, approached the victims, and shot them at close range in the head and neck. Promptly, the gunmen stopped the bus, disembarked, and fled.

The female victim is set to be laid to rest on November 25, 2023 in Barangay San Fermin, Cauayan City, Isabela. Her family is hopeful that the crime will be resolved before her burial but they also express their unease, knowing that the gunmen are still at large.

The sister of the victim pleads, "Sa kapulisan, umaasa kami na sa lalong madaling panahon, matukoy na kung sino man ang gumawa sa karumal-dumal na pagpatay sa aking kapatid.” 

The police emphasize the significance of the bus driver's statement, as well as the CCTV footage from the time the suspects boarded the bus, in the investigation.