Ex-boyfriend of Vivamax model found dead in apparent suicide amid ongoing probe

The body of the former boyfriend of a Vivamax artist whose death remains under investigation was found hanging early yesterday morning in Quezon City.

Probers from the Quezon City Police District – Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) identified the alleged suicide as Ivan Cezar Ronquillo, the former lover of Gina Lima, the 23-year-old Vivamax model who mysteriously died four days ago.

Police said Ronquillo was found tied with a plastic rope, appearing to have taken his own life.

Ronquillo was the last companion of Lima on November 16 and the one who rushed her to the Quezon City General Hospital on Sunday, where she was declared dead on arrival.

In a statement released on 18 November, the QCPD extended its deepest condolences to Lima’s family and noted:

"On November 17, 2025, the victim’s alleged boyfriend voluntarily appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) to provide his sworn statement. He stated that on the morning of November 16, 2025, he arrived at his residence with the victim. Around noon, they reportedly took a nap. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he attempted to wake and cuddle the victim but found her unresponsive. He immediately contacted his father, and they transported the victim to Quezon City General Hospital, where she was declared Dead-on-Arrival (DOA) by the attending physician."

According to QCPD-CIDU chief PLt. Col. Edison Ouano, the victim and her ex-boyfriend had been drinking together at the woman’s condominium on November 15. The next morning, November 16 at around 8:00 a.m., they went together to the man’s residence.

“Natulog sila ng mga 12:00 ng tanghali. Tapos pagkagising ng ex-boyfriend, mga 8:00 ng gabi... unresponsive na (si Lima),” Ouano said.

Friends of the victim rushed to the hospital shortly after learning of the incident and later reported the case to Police Station 1, prompting officers to respond immediately. There was also an alleged confrontation between Lima’s friends and the ex-boyfriend at the hospital.

“‘Yun ang allegation ng ex-boyfriend kasi may kalmot siya rito… Pero nagpa-medical na rin sila,” said Ouano.“May nag-send ng video… at sabi ng abogado ng ex-boyfriend ay gagamitin daw nila laban sa mga nagbugbog,” he added.

When the case was endorsed to CIDU, investigators requested Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to process Ronquillo’s residence. Initial findings revealed no signs of strangulation, smothering, or physical assault inside the room.

“Initially, wala namang nakitang ganoong pasa… wala talagang nakita na foul play or commotion man lang,” Ouano said.

Two siblings of the victim arrived from Mindanao and have already provided their statements to investigators. Further action, however, will depend on the ongoing autopsy by the PNP Forensic Group at Camp Crame.

“Kung makita doon na may foul play, maghahanap ang CIDU ng suspect kung sino ang responsible… possible ay homicide,” said Ouano.

Initial autopsy results obtained by the Daily Tribune also came out late Tuesday, noting that the “exact cause of death cannot be determined pending toxicology and histopathology results.”

Ouano reiterated that the investigation remains open and will be guided solely by forensic findings.