SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY — Two criminology students were fatally shot while having snacks at a milk tea shop in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, on Monday, authorities confirmed.

The victims were identified as Rey Allen Nevado de Jose, 20, a resident of Benjamine Village in Barangay Muzon East, and Jeric Castillo, 23, from Barangay San Isidro. Both were enrolled in criminology programs.

According to initial police reports, the two were having merienda—a light afternoon meal—at a local milk tea shop in Barangay Paradise 3 when a man identified by the alias “Randy,” reportedly from Barangay San Roque, arrived and opened fire without provocation. He then fled the scene.

De Jose died on the spot, while Castillo was declared dead on arrival at Skyline Hospital.

CCTV footage from the area revealed that a fistfight had occurred earlier between two groups. However, investigators believe the victims were not involved in the altercation and were merely bystanders.

Following the incident, the San Jose del Monte City Police Station formally filed two counts of murder against the suspect. Authorities confirmed that the case has been officially lodged, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend him.

Police also revealed that the suspect’s wife and child are now considered persons of interest and are being sought in connection with the case. While their roles remain unclear, authorities confirmed they are wanted for further questioning.

In a statement, San Jose del Monte City Police Station chief Edilmar G. Alviar urged the public to remain calm and composed in all situations and to avoid letting anger lead to irreversible actions.

Alviar stated, “One moment of rage can lead to a lifetime of regret and suffering.”

In response to the tragedy, authorities have vowed to intensify anti-criminality operations throughout the city. This includes stricter enforcement of existing security measures and the continued implementation of the Omnibus Election Code’s gun ban provisions.

The manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspect and his alleged accomplices remains ongoing.

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