From the national police headquarters at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued a directive Sunday for an immediate manhunt following two high-profile killings that have placed regional law enforcement on high alert.

The victims were identified as Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, a former Miss Philippines-Earth runner-up and current school teacher, and Antonio M. Mendeja, a director of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative.

The order follows a broader push from Malacañang. Under instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Nartatez signaled that the PNP would shift from condemnation to aggressive pursuit.

He said from the capital that strong words of condemnation against these “cowardly attacks” are insufficient and that the national police force will focus on identifying and arresting all involved parties to uphold the rule of law.

To recall, the two attacks occurred in separate provinces over the weekend. In Isabela, Ramilo-De Guzman was shot inside her vehicle in Barangay Cabaritan, San Manuel, while her children were reportedly in the car.

In a separate incident in Oriental Mindoro, Mendeja was targeted in Pinamalayan while making a brief stop to check on his vehicle.

Nartatez has ordered the regional directors of Police Regional Offices 2 and 4B to lead the investigations into the motives behind the slayings.

While the crimes took place in the provinces, the response is being managed through the Enhanced Managing Police Operation strategy based in Manila.

This strategy includes increased police visibility, strategic personnel deployment, and the establishment of more frequent checkpoints to deny criminal elements the opportunity to strike.

The PNP is urging anyone with information regarding either incident to come forward to assist investigators as they seek a certain and immediate arrest.