MANILA – Rizal, Cagayan’s Mayor Joel Ruma was fatally shot during a campaign event on Wednesday evening, adding up to the election-related incidents as the midterm elections draw near.
According to Cagayan Police’s Captain Shiela Joy Fronda, the incident took place between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. while the group was taking photos inside the barangay gymnasium.
Aside from Ruma, the attack also left two others injured, identified as Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay.
Ruma and the two injured individuals were immediately rushed to the Tuao District Hospital, where the mayor was pronounced dead on arrival.
“There was a sudden burst of gunfire coming from the mountainous area near the barangay hall,” Fronda said in an interview with the Bilyonaryo News Channel on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 2 has initiated a comprehensive manhunt and investigation regarding the incident.
Authorities believe there may be a political motive, as Ruma is the third mayor of Rizal, Cagayan to be assassinated.
Previously, former mayors Ventura Baloran and Raul Dela Cruz were also killed during their terms. Ruma had earlier been associated with the murders of two municipal councilors in 2018.
Active pursuit operations are underway as authorities strive to capture those accountable and avert additional violence during the election period./PN
