Slain Cagayan town mayor faced threat - PNP

Metro Manila, Philippines - There was a threat against slain Cagayan town reelectionist Mayor Joel Ruma, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday, April 25.

The finding was contrary to the initial investigation which said there was no threat against the Rizal mayor.

“Sa patuloy na pag-iimbestiga nila (regional police) lumalabas po, may mga anggulo po na threat na natatanggap ‘yun pong mayor,” PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief PCol Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing.

[Translation: Based on the regional police’s investigation, it shows that there are angles that the mayor received a threat.]

Tuaño said PNP chief PGen Rommel Marbil, who went to the province to check the situation, encouraged people who receive a threat to reach out to authorities to be given a security detail.

The PIO chief said getting a security detail usually takes one to two months. He added that Marbil has ordered the Police Security and Protection Group to immediately provide personnel.

“Ang sinasabi niya (Marbil) po, ‘wag natin balewalain ‘yung threat na natatanggap po natin,” said Tuaño.

[Translation: Marbil said do not underestimate the threat we receive.]

On April 23, Ruma was shot dead in a campaign rally in a gymnasium in Rizal. Authorities are going after the gunmen.