Buses are a popular choice for Filipino commuters, primarily because they often have air conditioning and comfortable seats while also still being fairly affordable. However, one tragic incident has just put into question the safety of our public terminals. Commuters are now asking, “Are we still safe?” Here’s what happened.

Trigger warning: This article contains videos that show violence and death. Please proceed with caution.

What happened

In a report by GMA News, two passengers were shot dead by two unidentified men inside a Victory Liner bus in Caranglan, Nueva Ecija. The incident was caught on tape via the bus’ dashboard camera. 

Police Major Rey Ian Agliam of the Nueva Ecija Municipal Police Station stated that the victims were live-in partners who both owned businesses. While authorities have yet to reach a conclusion, Agliam believes the crime was planned and personally motivated.

The suspects are also still at large, with various witnesses saying they headed to the mountains.

Pinoys worry for their safety

Anyone who sees a news story like this can’t help but feel worried, especially since a number of shooting incidents have been popping up in the news lately. It has only been a few weeks since the news of a radio broadcaster who was gunned down in the middle of a broadcast in Misamis Occidental. 

“Bro, I don’t feel safe anymore after seeing too many killing incidents,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. “May security pa ba ang Pinas?”

Some have also expressed their disappointment with law enforcement authorities. While crimes can happen at any time, we also can’t deny that our police and security departments could benefit from further improvement.

“Imagine the fear that commuters feel after watching/knowing the Victory Liner incident today. Sana magawan ng paraan na lahat ng pampublikong lugar ay may sapat na seguridad mula sa pulisya.”

A call for better public transport security

Meanwhile, people were baffled at how the suspects managed to bring guns inside the bus — or even carry them around in any public place. It’s even more concerning that the shooting incident happened in broad daylight.

“Do we not have a weapon detection system in public vehicles like buses? Kasi, it’s scary to think na people can just easily carry around güns undetected inside public transpo,” said another X user.

Some have noted that not all public terminals conduct security checks, especially since many provincial buses pick up passengers along the way.

Investigations are still underway, and there is a strong collective call for justice for the victims.

That said, commuters need to stay vigilant, especially in public places like transportation terminals. May this incident also serve as a wake-up call for the government to update and strengthen the security measures of our public transportation system.

What can you say about this tragic incident? Tell us in the comments below.