A man was wounded while his wife was killed after motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on their multicab along a bridge linking Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur and Barangay Inug-ug in Pikit, Cotabato, police said Friday.

The victims were identified as Orlan Saguta-on and his wife, Colie Mar, residents of Barangay Amas in Kidapawan City.

Initial police reports showed that Orlan was driving their multicab, bearing plate number MAN 3117, from Barangay Amas toward Barangay Takepan to deliver coconut seedlings when the attackers reportedly approached them on board a motorcycle.

The suspects then opened fire at the couple, hitting them in various parts of their bodies.

Colie was killed instantly, while Orlan was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The gunmen immediately fled the area after the shooting, prompting authorities to launch a hot-pursuit operation.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the motive for the attack and identify and locate the assailants.

Authorities have yet to disclose whether the couple had received threats prior to the incident.