Cagayan town mayor shot dead in campaign sortie

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

Ruma and Abiguebel were brought to the nearest hospital, but the mayor was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. (File Photo: Cagayan Provincial Information Office/Facebook)

MANILA – Incumbent Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal, Cagayan was shot dead by a still unidentified assailant during a campaign sortie on Wednesday night, police said Thursday.

An initial report reaching Camp Crame said the incident happened at about 9:30 p.m. at the barangay hall of Illuru Sur, where Ruma and his team were campaigning.

A civilian identified as Merson Abiguebel was injured.

Ruma and Abiguebel were brought to the nearest hospital, but the mayor was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Authorities have yet to identify the suspects responsible for the fatal shooting.

Police Regional Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) Director, Brig. General Antonio Marallag Jr. has ordered pursuit operations against the suspects and the implementation of high-risk checkpoint operations in strategic areas across the region.

“Mariin naming kinokondena ang karahasang ito, lalo na sa panahong tayo ay naghahanda para sa mapayapang halalan 2025. Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi namin naibibigay ang hustisya para sa mga biktima (We strongly condemn this act of violence, especially at this time when we are preparing to ensure a peaceful 2025 elections. We will not stop until we give justice to the victims),” Marallag said in a statement.