BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

A campaign rally in Barangay Iluru Sur turned tragic on the night of April 23 when incumbent Mayor and re-electionist Joel Ruma was shot and killed. Two of his companions were also injured in the incident.

A video captured during a Facebook Live broadcast showed Mayor Ruma and his supporters dancing during the rally.

Moments later, gunshots rang out, cutting the event short and sending the crowd into chaos.

According to Cagayan Police Provincial Office spokesperson PCpt. Shiela Joy Fronda, the mayor was about to take a group photo with his party and supporters when the shooting occurred.

The gunfire reportedly came from the mountainous area near the barangay hall.

“Based on the initial investigation, Mayor Ruma was about to take a picture with his party and supporters when a sudden gunshot was heard, believed to have come from the elevated area behind the barangay hall,” Fronda said in a phone interview.

Mayor Ruma sustained a gunshot wound to the right shoulder and later succumbed to his injuries.

Two of his supporters were also wounded and are currently receiving treatment.

The Philippine National Police has launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect.

Authorities are also conducting a thorough investigation into the identity and motive of the assailant.