As political tensions escalate ahead of the 2025 elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) asserts its steadfast commitment to safeguarding public safety and upholding justice.
In Region 2, two high-profile incidents—a shooting in Isabela involving a local election candidate and the assassination of the Municipal Mayor in Rizal, Cagayan Province, prompted immediate and decisive action from the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), led by Police Brigadier General Antonio P. Marallag Jr., Regional Director, under the direct supervision of no less than the Chief PNP himself, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.
On the evening of April 25, 2025, a shooting incident occurred in Barangay Bungad, San Pablo, Isabela, where three individuals—including Sangguniang Bayan candidate Mark Jhon Paul Tipon, Mark Francis Antonio, and Jhon Lloyd Duran, fell victim to a sudden ambush. The victims were on board a pickup truck when armed assailants riding a white Toyota Hi-Lux Conquest intercepted them and opened fire.
The victims were immediately brought to the Milagros Albano District Hospital and later transferred to Tuguegarao City for further medical treatment. Fortunately, all three of them were later declared in stable condition. However, the attack prompted a region-wide alert, placing all units on high operational readiness.
Demonstrating tactical excellence and urgency, operatives from the San Pablo Municipal Police Station, 1st Isabela Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 205th Maneuver Company of RMFB2 launched an aggressive hot pursuit operation. In less than two hours, the suspects were successfully apprehended in Barangay Poblacion, San Pablo. Seized during the arrest were .45-caliber pistol, extra ammunition, a fan knife, and the white Toyota Hi-Lux Conquest reportedly used in the said ambush.
PBGen Marallag personally conducted the on-site inspection and supervised operational coordination. He was joined by key regional officers: PCol Rodelio C. Samson, Deputy Regional Director for Operations; PCol Victor P. Pagulayan, Force Commander of RMFB2; and PCol Lee Allen B. Bauding, Provincial Director of the Isabela Police Provincial Office. Their prompt presence at the scene underscored the importance of directly overseeing personnel on the ground, reaffirming PNP’s commitment to swift justice and public safety—especially during this critical election period.
Two days earlier, on April 23, 2025, Mayor Joel A. Ruma of Rizal, Cagayan, was tragically gunned down. As the investigation into the mayor’s death intensified, Police General Marbil wasted no time in addressing the situation.
On April 25, 2025, the PNP Chief arrived in Rizal, Cagayan, to offer his condolences to the Ruma family. Upon his arrival, he paid his respects at Mayor Ruma’s wake in Barangay Gagabutan. Immediately after, he proceeded to Barangay Illuru Sur, the location of the crime scene, to directly assess the progress of the investigation being conducted by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), which was formed by PRO2 to ensure that those responsible for the mayor’s death are held accountable.
In a strategic conference with local police and the SITG, PGen Marbil emphasized the importance of resolving the case with urgency and integrity, stating: “The loss of Mayor Ruma is a blow to the community, and we will not rest until justice is served. We will follow every lead and ensure that no effort is spared in bringing those responsible to justice.”
As of this writing, the SITG has been tirelessly working to gather evidence, including reviewing CCTV footage, obtaining witness testimonies, and collecting forensic data. PGen Marbil reiterated his full support to the task group, assuring that all necessary resources will be provided to aid the investigation.
Moreover, the PNP Chief had ordered heightened police visibility in the area as part of broader efforts to maintain peace and order, particularly in communities where political tensions are high with the election day approaching. He had also called for a greater focus on violence prevention, assuring the public that PNP will remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging threats.
PNP remains committed in its mission to deliver swift justice, and ensure peace and order during the election period. This firm stance sends a clear message to those who seek to disrupt public order: The police force will relentlessly pursue the rule of law and protect the Filipino people.
