Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Atty. Joel Ruma was shot dead during a campaign event in Barangay Illuru Sur on evening on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
According to his companion, the mayor was at the barangay hall around 9:30 p.m. when armed men opened fire. The attackers fled immediately.
The mayor was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. His companion remains in critical condition.
Authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation across the region to catch the suspects. High-risk checkpoints have been set up at all entry and exit points in the province.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
The mayor's family is yet to release a statement, as of this writing.
