P1M reward to anyone who gives info that can identify killers of Mayor Joel Ruma

Rizal, Cagayan - Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba recently offered a P1,000,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in the killing of Rizal Mayor Joel A. Ruma, who was shot to death during a campaign. 

According to the Cagayan Provincial Information Office, the governor’s move is part of his call for justice and his firm stance against violence in the province. Governor Mamba strongly condemned the brutal attack and appealed to the public, most especially the residents of Rizal, to cooperate with the authorities to help solve the case. 

Mamba also assured the public that the provincial government is working closely with the law enforcement agencies to bring justice to the slain mayor and his family. 

It can be recalled that Mayor Ruma was gunned down by an unidentified assailant/s while conducting a campaign rally in Barangay Illuru Sur on the evening of April 23, 2025. Initial investigation by the police revealed that a sniper rifle was used to kill the mayor. 

Mayor Ruma was rushed to a hospital nearby but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Two other individuals were also injured due to the incident. 

As of this writing, authorities in the province are continuing their in-depth investigation to identify the suspects behind the “possible election-related” killing.

The purpose of the Governor’s monetary reward   

Offering monetary rewards for information on political killings has been a common practice among local government units in the Philippines. Based on gathered information, the local government of Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao Del Sur, for instance, also offered a P1 million reward for details on the murder of former Vice Mayor Bai Jinn Lumenda who was killed in 2023.

Similarly, in 2018,  a P2 million reward was announced for the arrest of the killers of Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. 

The P1 million offered by Governor Mamba, likewise, is intended to accelerate the investigation into the murder of Mayor Joel Ruma , facilitate the swift arrest of the suspect(s) involved, and identify the motive and, if there is one, the mastermind behind the killing.