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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez orders probe, manhunt vs killers of ex-beauty queen, electric coop exec

Nartatez orders probe, manhunt vs killers of ex-beauty queen, electric coop exec

Published Feb 15, 2026 03:27 pm
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Sunday, Feb. 15, a full-scale investigation and manhunt against those involved in the killing of a former beauty queen in Isabela and electric cooperative official in Oriental Mindoro in two separate gun attacks.
Nartatez said he already directed the Regional Directors of Police Regional Offices 2 (Cagayan Valley Region) and 4B (Mimaropa) to look deeper into the two cases to determine the motive and subsequently lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
“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,” said Nartatez.
In Isabela, former Ms Philippines-Earth runner up and now school teacher Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman was inside her car with her children when the gunman started shooting her in Barangay Cabaritan in San Manuel town.
In Oriental Mindoro, Antonio M. Mendeja, a director of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, made a brief stop to check on his vehicle in Pinamalayan town when a gunman shot him.
Nartatez said he also directed all police commanders to further intensify the conduct of crime prevention measures that include establishments of checkpoints, police visibility and strategic deployment of personnel under the Enhanced Managing Police Operation (EMPO).
These measures, he said, must be complemented with aggressive operations against loose firearms and accounting for wanted persons, whom he said, are usually repeat law offenders.
Such crime prevention measures are among the best ways to deny criminal elements the opportunity to strike as they ensure immediate response and certainty of arrest, according to Nartatez.
Nartatez also urged anybody with relevant information on the two incidents to assist in the conduct of the investigation.
For his part, MImaropa regional police director Brig. Gen. Jovencio S. Badua, Jr. ordered a focused manhunt and full case build-up in relation to the shooting of Mendeja.
“I have already directed the provincial director of Oriental Mindoro to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure strong case build-up, and intensify efforts to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect,” said Badua.
“We encourage anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, to coordinate with the nearest police station; all information will be handled with strict confidentiality and processed through proper official channels,” he added.
Badua likewise urged the public to rely only on official sources for verified updates and to refrain from sharing unverified claims that may compromise the investigation.
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