A pair of lovers have been found dead in their hotel room in the Philippines covered in "wounds", according to investigating police officers.
Australian Maria Jellicode and her Filipino boyfriend Dennis Yu Villaluz, both 44, were enjoying a luxurious break on the popular Boracay Island.
When they missed the checkout time staff went to their room and found the couple's bodies sprawled on the floor.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene but the pair were unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Officers believe their deaths were not due to natural causes and have launched an investigation into how they died.
They added blood was found in the room and they had “wounds” on their bodies, but did not go into any more detail.
Shocked friend Marichris Tamayo said: “I cannot believe what has happened.
“We are still confused at how he could leave us so soon.”
They arrived on the island, known for its golden sandy beaches, at the start of the month.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Don Dicksie De Dios said the couple were scheduled to leave on March 13, but had extended their stay until March 21.
He added security footage from the unidentified hotel did not indicate foul play from a third party.
However, he said that initial reports from the scene were that 'wounds on their bodies' indicated that they did not die of natural causes.
He said: “Their belongings, including cash, jewellery, laptop computers, and cellphones are intact.”
Asked how he believed the pair died, the policeman said that 'an investigation is ongoing'.
He added the couple were seen eating breakfast normally on Sunday.
Their bodies will now undergo post mortem examinations to determine the specific causes of their deaths.
Officers said they are now coordinating with the couple's families while investigations are ongoing.
The Australian Embassy has also been informed.
Boracay Island hit the headlines in 2020 when a British woman and an Australian man were arrested after allegedly having sex on a public beach.
Police Corporal Joel Banga-ora accused the pair of being so drunk that they tried to ignore police and continue having sex.
He said they had to be handcuffed and dragged to the station but they were still all over each other in the back of the police truck.
Officers arrived at the beach and they kept going. We were stood next to them and they continued having sex.
"They were not embarrassed that everybody could see their bodies.
"'They were so engrossed in each other they did not know what was happening around them."
