Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Runner-up Shot Dead in Isabela Ambush

Residents and social media users mourning the sudden death of a former beauty pageant finalist are calling for justice after Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, a Miss Philippines Earth 2013 runner-up, was gunned down in an ambush outside her home in Isabela.

The 32-year-old public school teacher was shot early Friday evening while seated inside her vehicle with her three children in Barangay Cabaritan, San Manuel, according to police. Authorities said an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle without a license plate entered the area at about 6:45 p.m. and fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing along the national highway.

Ramilo-De Guzman sustained gunshot wounds to the face and torso and was rushed to Manuel Roxas District Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her children were physically unharmed but left in shock after witnessing the attack.

The victim had represented her hometown in the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 pageant, finishing as a runner-up and earning several special awards. She later pursued a career in education after graduating from University of Perpetual Help System Isabela.

Police Major Rogelio Natividad said investigators are examining multiple angles, including personal and professional motives, but no suspect has been identified. Authorities are awaiting forensic findings to determine the firearm used and have appealed to residents for information.

The victim’s husband, Clifford Dela Cruz, rushed back to Isabela from Manila after learning of the shooting. In a Facebook post, he expressed grief and disbelief, recalling their final conversation shortly before the incident and the trauma experienced by their children.

"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.

The chief of the Philippine National Police, Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., ordered a full-scale manhunt in connection with the killing and another fatal shooting in Oriental Mindoro.

“Strong words of condemnation against these cowardly attacks are not enough, we will focus on identifying and arresting all those involved in these two killings in the interest of justice and the rule of law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Authorities said deeper investigations are underway to identify the suspects and establish the motive behind the attack.