A REELECTIONIST town mayor in Cagayan province died and three other individuals were injured when they were shot during a campaign rally on Wednesday night in Rizal town.
Police said a special investigation task group has been formed to look into the killing of Rizal mayor Joel Ruma, which occurred 19 days before the national and local elections on May 12.
Injured in the attack were Merson Abiguebel, Melanie Talay and her husband, Arnel, who were attending the campaign rally of Ruma at the gymnasium of Barangay Iluru Sur.
Cagayan provincial police spokesperson Capt. Shiela Joy Fronda said Ruma and his fellow candidates were having a picture taking session with their supporters when he was attacked at around 9:30 p.m.
Fronda said the gunfire came from a mountainous area which is “quite far” from the location of the mayor.
“Based on the initial investigation that we conducted… there is a possibility (the shooter of the mayor) is a sniper. He was far and positioned himself at a higher ground,” she said.
She said Ruma sustained a gunshot wound in the right anterior in the shoulder. He was brought to the Tuao District Hospital but was declared dead at 10:31 p.m.
The injured victims were also brought to the same hospital.
She said Arnel Talay has been discharged from the hospital.
Fronda said police operatives have launched pursuit operations against the perpetrator and the suspect’s possible cohorts.
As to the motive, Fronda said the special investigation task group is due to have a meeting later Thursday to discuss the motive.
She said there are no known threats on the life of Ruma prior to the attack based on initial investigation.
Ruma is seeking reelection in the May 12 elections against Florence Littaua and Ralph Mamauag. His wife, Brenda, is running for vice mayor against Edilberto Jose Jr. and Pastor Ligas Jr.
SECURITY ALERT
On the heels of the killing of Ruma, Comelec chairman George Garcia said in an interview that they are looking at the possibility of placing Rizal town under the “Red Category” or even under Comelec control.
“We are considering if this may just be a start of a more widespread violence in the area,” Garcia said.
He said they will wait for the PNP report on the incident. “This will let us know which corresponding action by the Comelec would be necessary,” he added.
Garcia joined the public in calling for justice for the victims and their families.
“There must be immediate justice by apprehending those behind this violence. As long as they are free, there will be doubts if the forthcoming elections will be peaceful,” he said. – With Gerard Naval
