Maguindanao town placed under Comelec control

MANILA, Philippines — Maguindanao del Sur’s capital town Buluan has been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to a series of poll-related violent incidents that occurred since the election period started.

The Comelec yesterday approved a resolution declaring Buluan under its control, and directed law enforcement agencies to augment the number of their personnel in the area whenever necessary.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body received a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) about increasing incidents of election-related violence in Buluan.

“We believe that Buluan must be placed under the direct supervision of the Comelec to prevent election-related violent incidents, which may harm civilians who are not seeking any elective post,” Garcia said.

There have been reports that armed groups were behind these violent incidents, but Garcia said it is also possible that other groups are taking advantage of the situation.

He said if necessary, the Comelec would order the deployment of additional law enforcers and setting up of more checkpoints in Buluan.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said Buluan became the second area in the country to be placed under Comelec control after Datu Odin Sinsuat in nearby Maguindanao del Norte.

The placement of Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control was due to the killing of election officer Maceda Abo and her husband.

As this developed, the Comelec recommended the relief of a police general and two other police officials in the Bangsamoro region.

Garcia said the poll body will ask the PNP to replace Bangsamoro police director Gen. Romeo Macapaz as well as Col. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr. and Col. Ryan Bobby Paloma, chiefs of the Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur police, respectively.

Garcia said the relief of the police officials was recommended by the Comelec’s gun ban and security committee.

“I cannot allow another field officer or employee to suffer harm or, worse, lose their lives because of gross negligence and incompetence of those entrusted with their protection,” Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, head of the Comelec gun ban and security committee, said in a memorandum.

Ferolino said she requested all police offices to conduct risk and threat assessments for all election officials and personnel.

She said the Bangsamoro police failed to submit a report on the matter.