MANILA, Philippines – A couple were killed after being gunned down by two men in Batangas province at dawn today, police said.

Police chief inspector Raymond Gary Mayuga, San Pascual chief of police, identified the victims as Leopoldo Cordero, who instantly died from bullet wounds, and his wife Tarcila.

Initial report said the couple, on board a Tamaraw jeepney with some companions, were on their way to a public market in Bauan, Batangas, around 5:30 a.m. when gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle tailed them.

The suspects fired on the victims’ vehicle then sped away after the incident.

Mayuga, meanwhile, withheld the victims’ companions pending interrogation.

Police are eyeing business rivalry as a possible motive.