A beauty queen was shot dead in her house - moments after she opened the front door to two men who gave her flowers and chocolates, police have revealed today.
The men then let off a single bullet into Mary Christine Balagtas' head then fled on a waiting motorbike at 9.10am at her home in Bulacan, Philippines, according to a police investigation.
The 23-year-old was rushed to Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Pulilan town, but was pronounced dead on arrival, as paramedics battled to stabilise her on Wednesday April 5.
Superintendent Julio Lizardo from Plaridel Police said they are now investigating a man who had a previous relationship with Miss Balagtas.
He said: "We believe the attack could have [been] carried out by a hired gun. We found an empty shell from a .45 calibre pistol at the scene and believe the two men had fled on a motorcycle.
"Witnesses said that two men had been seen in the neighbourhood before the shooting.
"Mary died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. We are following several leads including a man who had a romantic relationship with Mary.
Miss Balagtas won the La Bulakenya pageant in 2009 and again a year later.
She was currently studying at the University of Regina Carmeli College.
Shocked classmates paid tribute to Miss Balagtas - who had the nickname "Tin" - this week.
Her friend, Herlie Rozelle Flores Vecina said: "Life is just really too short for the family and friends you have left. We may not even know what true happened to you but we let it given in the hands of our almighty God.
"Tin, you will be always in our hearts. We hope to never forget you. We will sincerely miss you. We love you Mary Christine 'Tin'. May you rest beautifully in peace, our dear friend."
Meanwhile, a tribute video dedicated to the Bulacan beauty queen has gone viral.
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