Daughter of slain Cagayan mayor is Philippines' youngest town chief
BAGUIO CITY — Rizal, Cagayan Mayor-elect Jamila Ruma, daughter of slain Mayor Joel Ruma, killed by a sniper while campaigning, has become the country’s youngest town chief executive.
The elder Ruma, a lawyer, was attending a campaign sortie inside a gymnasium in Barangay Iluru, Rizal, Cagayan, on the evening of April 23, 2025, when a sniper targeted him.
He was rushed to the hospital but later died while undergoing treatment.
Jamila, 21, won against two older opponents, Ralph Mamauag and Florence Littaua, securing 5,134 votes compared to their 3,661 and 170 votes, respectively.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, where she was a consistent dean's lister. Jamila was also awarded Best Thesis Presenter and received the “Best Thesis” honor in her class.
Jamila said it is a "big challenge" for her to continue what her father has started. She promised her townmates that she would continue genuine service.
"Tuloy ya serbisyong SAPAT at TAPAT nga pinamegapuwanan en nebtang ya Ama (I will the true and genuine service that my gather started)," she said in native Ibanag.
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