Daughter of slain Mayor in Rizal, Cagayan takes over father’s candidacy

Rizal, Cagayan - Jamila Ruma, the eldest daughter of slain Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel A. Ruma, declared her decision to continue her father’s mayoral candidacy in the upcoming local and national elections, eventually becoming the youngest politician vying for said position in the province.  

The 21-year-old made the announcement on Tuesday, April 29, after formally filing the necessary documents with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Rizal. Her declaration came just six days after her father’s tragic assassination on April 23 while he was campaigning in Barangay Illuru Sur, Rizal.  

Jamila, visibly emotional but determined, has captured many hearts online after she shared her grief over her father’s tragic death through a public Facebook post.

She recounted the trauma of witnessing the brutal shooting of her father, which she described as a memory that would forever haunt her because Mayor Joel was shot to death right in front of her eyes. 

Nevertheless, even with such heaviness of heart, Jamila said she has to be strong for her mother and younger sibling, as what her father wanted her to do when he was still alive. 

Her statement is more than a daughter’s expression of grief. It is also a message of resilience, calling herself his father “ Xerox copy,” determined to carry on her father’s legacy. 

“Daddy, we still cannot accept the fact that you are gone now. Words cannot describe how much we are hurting. We are still in shock, but we are trying to stay strong because we know that’s what you would want us to do. Please continue to watch over us. And don’t worry, your Xerox copy is now po ang bahala kay Mommy at Pia. Kaya ko ito. You taught me how to be strong! ,” she wrote.  

Despite her young age, Jamila is now poised to compete and become the youngest mayor in Cagayan. Supporting her campaign is her mother, Atty. Brenda Ruma, who is seeking re-election as vice mayor of said town.