Miss Philippines Earth 2013 runner-up gunned down in Isabela

A 32-year-old public school teacher and former national beauty pageant finalist was gunned down early Friday evening, Feb. 13, while seated inside her vehicle outside her residence in San Manuel, Isabela, authorities said.

Police identified the victim as Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, who was inside a sport utility vehicle with her three children when the attack occurred at about 6:45 p.m. in Barangay Cabaritan.

Investigators said the victim’s father had just stepped out to open their gate when an unidentified assailant, riding a motorcycle without a license plate, entered the area and fired multiple shots at close range.

The gunman then sped away toward the eastern section of the town along the national highway, police said.

Ramilo-De Guzman sustained gunshot wounds to the face and torso. She was taken to Manuel Roxas District Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Her children were not injured but were reported to be in shock after witnessing the incident.

The victim had represented her hometown in pageantry and placed as a runner-up in the 2013 edition of Miss Philippines-Earth, where she also received several special awards.

She later pursued a career in education after completing a degree at University of Perpetual Help System-Isabela campus.

Police said they are examining several angles, including personal and professional motives, but no suspect has been identified so far.

Police Major Rogelio Natividad, chief of police, said they were still gathering evidence and conducting follow-up investigation, and that authorities had yet to establish a clear motive.

Authorities are awaiting forensic findings to determine the type of firearm used and have appealed to residents to share any information that may help identify the attacker.

The victim’s husband, Clifford Dela Cruz, had to rush back to Isabela from Manila after learning of the shooting.

In a Facebook post, Dela Cruz condemned what he described as a senseless act driven by ill will and expressed anguish over seeing their children grieve.

He expressed grief and disbelief over her killing, recounting their final conversation about half an hour before she was shot, making plans to spend time together once he returned home.

Dela Cruz said he was shocked when he received a call from his mother informing him that a violent incident had occurred.

"Sa isang iiglap nawala ka na sa piling namin dahil sa kagaguhan ng mga tao na may inggit sayo at intimidated sa pagiging matapang mo," he said.

(In an instant, you were taken away from us because of the senseless act of people who were jealous of you and intimidated by your courage.)

Struggling to process the news, he immediately checked out of his hotel and rushed to a bus station to return to Isabela.

He also shared that their children had called him and described witnessing the attack inside the vehicle, leaving them deeply traumatized.

He believed his wife had tried to shield the children during the shooting.

In another post, Clifford also hinted the possible motive of her wife's killers.

"She was a fighter. She stood bravely for parents who were afraid to speak. She stood against bullying in school. She stood up to authority when others were too intimidated to do so," he said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News