Tomb of Former Aparri Vice Mayor Destroyed & Robbed
The tomb of former Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda was reportedly destroyed and robbed by still unidentified suspects in Aparri, Cagayan.
The incident happened on the evening of May 21, 2026, inside the cemetery where the former official was laid to rest. According to Isadel Alameda, some residents living near the area heard strange sounds coming from the cemetery during the night.
The noises reportedly sounded like someone was breaking concrete. Concerned residents immediately informed barangay officials about the suspicious activity. However, when authorities arrived at the cemetery, nobody was found in the area.
The suspects were believed to have already escaped before police reached the scene. The following morning, on May 22, the Alameda family was informed that the tomb had already been damaged and opened.
The family later discovered that a bag placed inside the tomb was missing. The bag reportedly contained personal belongings and money that were buried together with the former vice mayor.
The incident deeply upset the family, especially because the late official had already gone through a tragic death years earlier. Family members strongly condemned the destruction of the tomb and appealed to the public to help authorities identify the people responsible.
To encourage possible witnesses to come forward, the Alameda family offered a reward of P10,000 for anyone who could provide useful information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
According to PMaj. Junniel Perez, chief of the Aparri Police Station, investigators are considering the possibility that teenagers may have been involved in the vandalism and theft. Authorities are still conducting a full investigation to determine what really happened.
Former Vice Mayor Alameda died in February 2023 after he and five companions were ambushed in Bagabag town. In March 2025, two suspects linked to his killing were arrested by authorities.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
