P2M bounty offered to catch killer(s) of Rizal, Cagayan mayor

Rizal, Cagayan - Nearly two months past and the suspect(s) behind the killing of Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma are not yet identified and arrested, thus a P2,000,000 reward is now offered by the Cagayan Provincial Government for anyone who can provide useful information. 

The Cagayan PLGU announced that the reward was intended to help bring justice for Mayor Ruma's death, shot and killed during a campaign rally in Barangay Illuru Sur on the night of April 23, 2025. 

Police investigation revealed that the killer of the mayor was a professional sniper, indicating a well-planned attack. 

The Cagayan Public Information Office, in its report this June 16, said that the authorities and the governor’s office are ready to protect anyone who comes forward with legitimate information about the person or people behind the crime. 

Meantime, Governor Manuel Mamba emphasized that this case, along with the killings of a barangay captain in Enrile and a provincial government officer in Santo Nino, shows a pattern of political violence following the 2025 local elections. 

Mamba said these murders should not be blamed on the New People’s Army (NPA), since they no longer operate in the province. He believes political rivals are now capable of such attacks.

 “Naniniwala ang gobernador na mga biktima ng political killings sina Mayor Ruma lalo at wala nang mga rebeldeng-NPA sa Cagayan na dati ay madalas na itinuturong nasa likuran ng pamamaslang sa mga pulitiko at ng mga nasa katungkulan,” the CPIO wrote. 

If you have information on Mayor Ruma’s death, just contact Governor Mamba through his cellphone number, 09189414695.