BAGUIO CITY — The mayor of Rizal, Cagayan died in the hospital while being treated moments after he was shot by an unidentified gunman during a campaign rally inside the gymnasium of Barangay Iluru, Rizal, Cagayan on Wednesday evening, 23 April 2025.

The victim was identified as Atty. Joel Ruma, the incumbent municipal mayor of the said town. He was seeking reelection in Rizal.

According to reports, at around 9:30 PM on 23 April, Ruma was campaigning when the suspect fired shots in his direction. The mayor sustained a lone gunshot wound to the chest.

He was rushed to the Tuao District Hospital but died later while being treated. Two others were reportedly hurt. They were identified as Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay.

The Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO) immediately launched a hot pursuit operation in a bid to catch the unidentified suspect. The police are conducting a deeper investigation to determine the motive and the people behind the shooting of Ruma.