REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
High-Risk Checkpoints Rolled Out In Cagayan After Mayor Joel Ruma's Tragic Slay
Photo credit: LGU Rizal Cagayan
Authorities in Cagayan have launched a full-scale manhunt and set up high-risk checkpoints in strategic areas following the assassination of Rizal town Mayor Joel Ruma on Tuesday night, April 23, 2025.
According to the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. while Mayor Ruma was attending a campaign rally. Unknown assailants suddenly opened fire, riddling the area with bullets. Tragically, the mayor was not the only victim. Two other residents of Barangay Iluru Sur — Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay — were also caught in the hail of gunfire.
All three victims were rushed to Tuao District Hospital for immediate treatment. Sadly, Mayor Ruma was declared dead on arrival. As of now, the condition of the other victims has not been disclosed by police.
With the attackers still at large, PRO2 quickly responded by placing high-risk checkpoints across possible escape routes in the province. This move aims to trap the gunmen and secure the area from further threats.
In a statement, PRO2 Director PBGEN Antonio Marallag Jr. strongly condemned the brutal attack, especially with the 2025 elections just around the corner.
“We deeply condemn this act of violence, particularly during this crucial period as we gear up for a peaceful election season. We won’t rest until justice is served. We are calling on the public to help us in our investigation by sharing any information that could help us identify and capture the perpetrators,” Marallag said.
The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities looking into possible motives behind the ambush.
Meanwhile, the local government of Rizal, Cagayan announced the postponement of all events related to the upcoming Summer Festival out of respect for their fallen mayor.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:
“In view of the untimely passing of our beloved Municipal Mayor, we regret to inform the public that all activities related to the upcoming Summer Festival are hereby postponed.”
– LGU Rizal, Cagayan
April 24, 2025
According to the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. while Mayor Ruma was attending a campaign rally. Unknown assailants suddenly opened fire, riddling the area with bullets. Tragically, the mayor was not the only victim. Two other residents of Barangay Iluru Sur — Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay — were also caught in the hail of gunfire.
All three victims were rushed to Tuao District Hospital for immediate treatment. Sadly, Mayor Ruma was declared dead on arrival. As of now, the condition of the other victims has not been disclosed by police.
With the attackers still at large, PRO2 quickly responded by placing high-risk checkpoints across possible escape routes in the province. This move aims to trap the gunmen and secure the area from further threats.
In a statement, PRO2 Director PBGEN Antonio Marallag Jr. strongly condemned the brutal attack, especially with the 2025 elections just around the corner.
“We deeply condemn this act of violence, particularly during this crucial period as we gear up for a peaceful election season. We won’t rest until justice is served. We are calling on the public to help us in our investigation by sharing any information that could help us identify and capture the perpetrators,” Marallag said.
The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities looking into possible motives behind the ambush.
Meanwhile, the local government of Rizal, Cagayan announced the postponement of all events related to the upcoming Summer Festival out of respect for their fallen mayor.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:
“In view of the untimely passing of our beloved Municipal Mayor, we regret to inform the public that all activities related to the upcoming Summer Festival are hereby postponed.”
– LGU Rizal, Cagayan
April 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
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