According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, police confirmed that Ramilo-De Guzman was fatally shot inside her vehicle on February 13 in Barangay Cabaritan, Philippines. She sustained gunshot wounds to her face and side and was pronounced dead at Manuel Roxas District Hospital in the town of Roxas.
Authorities stated that Ramilo-De Guzman was in the car with her children when her father stepped out to open their house gate. At that moment, an unidentified gunman riding a motorcycle without a license plate approached and fired multiple shots at her before fleeing eastbound along the national highway in District 3 of the town.
Her three children were unharmed but reportedly traumatized after witnessing the attack. Police have yet to identify a suspect.
Major Rogelio Natividad said investigators are currently examining possible personal motives, including work-related issues or other angles. “We still have no clear leads regarding the motive or the suspect. We are processing evidence and conducting further investigation,” he stated. Authorities are also awaiting results from the crime laboratory to determine the type of firearm used. Natividad urged the public to report any suspicious individuals to help prevent similar incidents.
At the time of the shooting, Ramilo-De Guzman’s boyfriend, Clifford Dela Cruz, was attending a seminar in Manila. He immediately returned home upon learning of her death. In a Facebook post, Dela Cruz condemned the killing, especially as it occurred in front of their children. He also suggested that some individuals may have harbored resentment over Ramilo-De Guzman’s anti-bullying advocacy efforts.
Ramilo-De Guzman previously won the title of Miss San Manuel before earning the runner-up position at Miss Earth Philippines 2013, where she also received several special awards. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Perpetual Help System, Laguna-Isabela campus.
Her tragic death has deeply shaken the Philippine pageant community, with fans and supporters calling on authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring justice to the late beauty queen.
Sources: K14