Bus driver, conductor shot dead in N. Cotabato; gunman arrested

KIDAPAWAN City, Philippines—A passenger bus driver and his conductor were shot to death in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, on Monday night.

Police said initial reports revealed that the suspect, identified as Melco Lavena, shot bus driver Bugoy Valdevieso and his conductor, a certain Bael.

The incident happened while the Cotabato City-bound bus was plying the national highway in the village of Manuangan around 7 p.m.

Police said the suspect first shot the conductor, then the driver who locked the bus doors to prevent him from escaping.

After briefly holding hostage the bus passengers, the suspect, who was armed with a .45-cal. pistol and a hand grenade, surrendered to the police.

Police are looking at personal grudge as motive behind the incident since the suspect did not declare a robbery before shooting the two victims, according to initial reports.