RIZAL, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma was shot dead by an unidentified gunman during a campaign event on Wednesday night, police reported Thursday.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the barangay hall of Illuru Sur, where Ruma and his team were holding a campaign sortie.
A civilian, identified as Merson Abiguebel, was also injured in the attack.
Both Ruma and Abiguebel were rushed to the nearest hospital, but the mayor was declared dead on arrival by medical personnel.
Authorities have yet to identify the assailant.
Police Regional Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) Director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. has ordered immediate pursuit operations and the implementation of high-risk checkpoints in strategic locations throughout the region.
Philippine National Police (PNP) information chief Col. Randulf Tuaño revealed that investigators suspect a sniper was behind the killing, citing the recovery of a shell from an Armalite rifle at the scene.
The bullet reportedly entered Ruma’s right shoulder and exited through his back, causing fatal internal injuries.
Tuaño also disclosed that Ruma’s four police escorts will undergo paraffin testing, as additional gunfire was reported inside the barangay hall during the incident.
Ruma’s killing would be recommended to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as an “election-related incident,” pending further validation.
