CAMP MARCELO A. ADDURU, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – A reelectionist mayor was gunned down while campaigning in Barangay Illuru Sur, Rizal, Cagayan on Wednesday evening, April 23.
Police identified the victim as Mayor Joel A. Ruma.
Two individuals were wounded – Merson Abiguebel and Melany Talay, 23, a farmer, and resident of the barangay.
Investigation said Rumas was posing for photos with supporters at the premises of the barangay hall at about 9:30 p.m. when he was shot by unidentified suspects.
The suspects fled and Ruma sustained a bullet wound in the right shoulder and taken to the Tuao District Hospital in Cagayan where he was declared dead at 10:31 p.m.
The wounded were also taken to the Tuao District Hospital and transferred to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City for further treatment.
Police Major Sherwin C. Viernes, Rizal town police chief, said the massive pursuit operations against the suspects and follow-up investigation is ongoing.
Police have created a Special Investigation Task Group on the incident.
Police Brig. Gen. Antonio P. Marallag Jr., Police Regional Office-2 director, condemned the incident and appealed to residents to give any information to the police that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects and mastermind.
“We deeply condemn the incident as this time we are preparing for a peaceful 2025 midterm polls. We will not cease the investigation until we give justice to the victim’s family. We are appealing to the witnesses of the incident as well as the public to help us by giving information leading to the identification of the suspects of the incident,” said Marallag.
Ruma’s fraternity, Lex Leonum Fraternitas from the San Beda College of Law, condemned his murder.
They said that Ruma was a devoted public servant known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
“This senseless act of violence not only has shaken the country but also our fraternity and the entire community he served.”
They called on authorities to swiftly apprehend the assailants.