Mayor’s killing sparks surge in security requests from Cagayan Valley bets
TUGUEGARAO CITY—The April 23 killing of Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal town in Cagayan province has sent a “chilling effect” across political circles and election candidates in Cagayan Valley, prompting a surge in requests for security escorts, authorities said on Monday.
At a press briefing, Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., Cagayan Valley regional police director, confirmed that many candidates have sought additional security as they continue to hold campaign rallies.
However, he declined to disclose the exact number of requests.
Marallag said he understands the heightened anxiety among candidates.
“We have to realign our police forces and adjust our strategies to ensure the safety of candidates and the public, he said.
Marallag added that many candidates have now shifted away from holding rallies in open spaces or public venues, wary of a repeat of the deadly ambush on Ruma.
‘Significant challenge’
The situation has posed a “significant challenge” for law enforcers, Marallag admitted, especially as the Commission on Elections requires candidates to publicly announce their campaign schedules.
“With schedules being publicly disclosed, criminals find it easier to plan and carry out attacks, knowing the exact time and place of rallies,” he said.
To bolster security, Marallag earlier deployed area security teams, consisting of three to four police officers each, across selected areas since the start of the campaign period.
Task force
However, he acknowledged that the vast, mountainous terrain of Cagayan Valley has made it difficult to fully cover all locations.
In addition to redeploying police forces, Marallag said a specialized security unit would also be deployed on election day, although he withheld specific details for security reasons.
Meanwhile, follow-up investigations into the killing of Ruma are ongoing through a special investigation task force, he said.
Ruma was shot dead in an ambush while campaigning in Rizal’s Barangay Illuru Sur on April 23, just over two weeks before the May midterm elections.
Police said unidentified gunmen armed with long and short firearms opened fire where Ruma, a lawyer, was delivering a campaign speech.
Ruma’s aide, Merson Abiguebel, and a civilian, Melanie Talay, were critically wounded and rushed to Tuao District Hospital. Ruma was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities immediately launched a regionwide manhunt for the suspects, with checkpoints set up across Cagayan province. A special task group has also been formed to expedite the investigation.
