Cagayan town reelectionist mayor shot dead in campaign sortie

Metro Manila, Philippines - Rizal, Cagayan reelectionist Mayor Joel Ruma was fatally shot in a campaign rally on Wednesday, April 23.

According to the Provincial Information Office, Ruma was holding a sortie in a gymnasium in Barangay Iluru Sur when he was shot at 9:30 p.m. He was rushed to Tuao District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Philippine National Police Public Information Office chief PCol Randulf Tuaño said Ruma was shot on his right shoulder, the bullet pierced downward, and exited his back.

“Lumalabas po sa kanilang initial investigation na isang tama lang po mula sa isang sniper rifle ang ginamit magmula po sa isang vantage point,” Tuaño said in a press briefing on Thursday.

[Translation: Initial investigation showed that from a vantage point, only one shot from a sniper rifle was used.]

Two others were wounded. The police are looking into where the other shots came from as only one bullet felled Ruma.

The provincial police, which has activated its special investigation task group, will subject the firearms of Ruma’s four security personnel to paraffin and forensic tests.

While authorities are looking at all possibilities, Tuaño said the shooting was likely linked to politics. He added that the mayor has not received any threats prior to the killing.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said the commission is mulling whether Rizal should be under its control or classified as a red category.

“Baka ito’y pagsisimula pa lamang ng isa pang mas malawak na mga krimen o violence na pwedeng sumunod po dito,” Garcia said in an interview.

[Translation: This may just be the start to bigger crimes or violence.]

Authorities are conducting hot pursuit operations to identify the gunmen and determine the motive.

“Nanawagan kami sa publiko na makipagtulungan sa imbestigasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng anumang impormasyon na makatutulong sa kaso,” Cagayan police director PBGen Antonio Marallag Jr. was quoted as saying.

[Translation: We appeal to the public to cooperate in the investigation by sharing any information that could help in pursuing the case.]

Ruma and his wife Brenda are seeking another term as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Rizal.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.