The murder of Lulette Jane Ramilo did not happen on a distant highway or in some anonymous city corner. It happened outside her own home in Barangay Cabaritan, San Manuel, Isabela, on the evening of February 14.
Lulette and her father were in their SUV and had just arrived home. As her father stepped out to open the gate, two men on a motorcycle pulled up. The back rider got off and fired at close range, hitting her in the head and side. Her father rushed her to the hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Investigators recovered shell casings at the scene and began reviewing nearby CCTV footage. Authorities have not identified any suspects or confirmed a motive.
Who Was Lulette Jane Ramilo?
Lulette Jane Ramilo was known in pageant circles and in classrooms.
In 2013, she placed as first runner-up in Miss Philippines-Earth, a national pageant that emphasizes environmental advocacy and civic engagement.
In the Philippines, pageantry is not a niche hobby. It is part of mainstream culture. Winners often become local role models, speakers, or community advocates. Some go on to international stages like Miss Universe or Miss World, where Filipinas have built a strong global presence.
But after the crown season ended, she chose a different path. She became a teacher.
That decision says something. Pageantry brings visibility. Teaching requires patience, routine, and quiet work. Former titleholders often remain recognizable in their towns, and that visibility does not simply disappear. It becomes part of their identity in public life.
A Pattern That Feels Familiar
The method of the attack has unsettled many Filipinos because it follows a pattern that has appeared too often. Two men on a motorcycle, a quick approach, close-range gunfire, and a fast escape.
This “riding-in-tandem” setup has been linked in past cases to personal disputes, business conflicts, political tensions, and other targeted killings. In 2018, journalist Dennis Denora was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Panabo City, a case that later led to convictions. His killing became one of several high-profile examples of how this method has been used against public figures. Police have not said that any of these motives apply here. At this stage, there is no official explanation.
Still, the broader issue remains. Motorcycle-related shootings have persisted despite policy efforts and enforcement measures. The tactic is simple and effective. That is precisely why it continues to surface.
Speculation online is already circulating. That is almost inevitable when a public figure is involved. But responsible reporting requires restraint. Facts first, motive later (if and when investigators establish one).
