MANILA, Philippines - Jones town in Isabela has been added to the list of areas placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“The en banc approved Comelec control of Jones, Isabela because of private armed groups. I am making an appeal so that private armed groups are disbanded so we can have a peaceful and orderly conduct of elections,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in an interview yesterday.
Pantar town in Lanao del Norte, Abra and Marawi City were earlier placed under the control of the poll body.
Under Comelec Resolution 10074, an area is placed under Comelec control if it has a history of intense political rivalry, violence due to private armed groups, loose firearms and threats from the New People’s Army, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf and other paramilitary forces.
The poll body will have control and supervision over the disbursement of public funds, construction of public works and movement of government personnel in areas under its control.