Slain mayor's daughters seek swift justice

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TUGUEGARAO CITY — Jamila Ruma is seeking swift justice for the killing of her father, Rizal town mayor Joel Ruma.

She was there when her father was shot dead by an unidentified gunman during a campaign sortie on April 23 in Illuru Sur village.

In a public post at her personal Facebook account on Thursday, Jamila recalled the day of the shooting.

She described that day as a normal campaign day as they were overwhelmed by supporters when they arrived in the village at about 6 p.m.

"My father, along with the rest of us, was able to join the "bayle (dance)" and mingle with a lot of people. After my father's campaign speech, food was distributed to our supporters. Many had already headed home, but my dad didn't want to leave yet, he wanted to stay until everyone else had gone," she wrote on social media.

"We were just sitting beside each other, having a small chat. When he stood up, my eyes were still following him. My mom was watching him too, as we were getting ready to pack up and go home."

The 54-year-old mayor, who was running for reelection, was shot at around 9 p.m. in front of his daughter and wife.

"Then there it was — one shot, fired straight at my dad. He fell down, and then multiple shots followed. My mom and I couldn't move or get to him because bullets kept being fired in our direction. We all had to hide, as it was raining gunshots for about 20 minutes. Because of that, we couldn't get my dad to the hospital in time," she added.

Jamila admitted that until now, she still cannot accept the fact that her father is gone.

"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 na po ang bahala kay Mommy at Pia. Kaya ko ito. You taught me how to be strong," she posted.

"But so many thoughts are running through my mind, and I am running out of words to say. I am still in shock. I do not know how to navigate life without you."

Ruma was supposed to celebrate his 55th birthday on April 29 and her wife and children Jamila and Pia already bought gifts for him.

"No one should have suffered the way that you did. What they did to you was unforgivable, and we will fight to make sure justice will be served," she wrote.

Another daughter, Patricia, posted in her Facebook account that she was devastated upon hearing the news Wednesday night, one day after she flew back to Manila to attend to her studies.

"On Wednesday night, I received the devastating news and immediately called Ate. She told me to stay calm, to pray, and to wait for her update. I prayed so hard, despite all the rumors and posts spreading on Facebook. I didn't want to believe anything unless it came from [my elder sister and mother]," she said.

"An hour later, Ate confirmed the news. I broke down. I'm trying to be strong, but I feel so lost. We still need you. I love you so much, Daddy. Words can't express what we're feeling right now or how much we all miss you."

The family demands immediate justice and accountability from the people behind the killing.

"Even through this pain, I know that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. No one deserves this. May your soul rest in paradise, Daddy. Your legacy and love will be deeply remembered," Patricia added.