5 days ago
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TUGUEGARAO CITY—Authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation on the perpetrators who shot dead the mayor of Rizal town in Cagayan province and injured two others during a campaign sortie in Barangay Illuru Sur at around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Get the latest news
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The Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2) identified the fatality as lawyer Joel Ruma, the incumbent mayor of Rizal town, and the injured individuals as Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay.
Police investigators said Ruma sustained a gunshot wound on his right shoulder and an exit gunshot wound on his upper-to-middle right chest.
The victims were immediately rushed to the Tuao District Hospital but Ruma was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The conditions of Abiguebel and Talay remain undisclosed as authorities work to piece together the events leading to the shooting.
The Rizal Police Station immediately took action in cooperation with other units of the Cagayan Police Provincial Office including the patrol units and sent a flash alarm to all police stations in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).
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High-risk checkpoints are also being implemented in neighboring towns of Rizal to block the possible escape routes of suspects.
The local police are also accompanying the Cagayan Police Provincial Forensic Unit to thoroughly investigate the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 2 is conducting clearing operations in the area.
The leadership of PRO-2 is encouraging the public to immediately report any information that will help in the identification and arrest of those responsible for the crime.
Condemning the shooting that was carried out during this election period, the PRO-2 leadership assured that they would do their best to provide justice to the victims.
"We strongly condemn this violence, especially at a time when we are preparing for peaceful elections in 2025. We will not stop until we provide justice for the victims. We call on the public to cooperate with the investigation by sharing any information that will help solve the case," said BGen. Antonio Marallag Jr., PRO-2 director.
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