Comelec mulls placing Maguindanao del Norte town under its control

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is recommending placing Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte under its control following the ambush of an election officer.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he plans to bring the recommendation before the Commission en banc.

"I will recommend to the Commission en banc to place Datu Odin under Comelec control. Because there are some violence that happened the past few weeks and months in that place," Garcia said in Filipino.

"When we went there on 18 March, two persons died in that place — one lawyer of a candidate and his fiancee. Now, our election officer and her husband. So it must be placed under Comelec control," he added.

Comelec election officer Atty. Maceda Lidasa-Abo and her husband, Jojo Abo were shot dead Wednesday morning while on their way to work.

Under Comelec control, Garcia explained that the poll body will have full and absolute control over the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and even the local government units (LGUs).

Garcia said residents of the town should expect a heightened presence of police personnel, AFP soldiers, and additional checkpoints.