Miss Philippines Earth 2013 runner-up shot dead
A former beauty queen who finished as a runner-up at the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 pageant was shot dead in front of her residence in San Manuel, Isabela.
According to a press statement by the Philippine National Police - Isabela, the victim, identified as 32-year-old teacher Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, was fatally shot inside a sport utility vehicle on Feb. 13 at around 6:45 p.m. in Barangay Cabaritan. Her three children and father were with her at the time.
One of the two suspects riding a single motorcycle reportedly approached and shot the victim. The suspects quickly fled after the incident.
Her father rushed her to the hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
The San Manuel Police Station has initiated investigations into the incident in coordination with Scene of the Crime Operatives. The Isabela Police Provincial Office has also formed a Special Investigation Task Force to conduct a deeper, more coordinated probe into the case.
"Hindi namin hahayaang makaligtas ang mga responsable sa pamamaril na ito. Gagawin natin ang lahat ng hakbang upang matukoy at mahuli ang mga suspek at mabigyan ng hustisya ang biktima at kanyang pamilya," said Manuel Bringas, Provincial Director of the Isabela Police Provincial Office.
"Inatasan ko na ang lahat ng concerned units na paigtingin ang imbestigasyon, intelligence build-up, at manhunt operations. Sisiguraduhin natin na maipaparating sa publiko ang resulta ng ating aksyon at maibibigay ang hustisya na nararapat," he added.
The Isabela Police Provincial Office assured that they won't stop until justice is served.
Lullete's live-in partner, Clifford Dela Cruz, took to his social media account to condemn the attack and mourn her death.
"Sa isang iglap, nawala ka na sa piling namin dahil sa k*****n ng mga tao na may inggit sayo at intimidated sa pagiging matapang mo. Lalo akong nasaktan noong tumawag mga anak mo at kinwento nila ang karumaldumal na nangyari sayo sa loob ng sasakyan," he wrote.
"Mahal na mahal kita, ikaw lang mamahalin ko sa buong buhay ko at mga anak nating tatlo. Itataguyod ko sila, and praying they will be healed from psychological and mental trauma. Ang sakit sobra," he added.
Lullete competed in the 2013 edition of Miss Philippines Earth as a representative of San Manuel.
