'Normal life' to continue in Datu Odin despite Comelec control

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured that "normal life" will continue for residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, despite placing it under its control.

The poll body on Friday, 4 April, officially placed Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control for the upcoming national and local polls.

This comes after the fatal killing of its election officer, lawyer Maceda Abo, and her husband, Jojo Abo, last month.

However, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia assured that normal life would still continue for the residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat.

"Wag po sanang matakot yung mga kababayan natin sa Datu Odin Sinsuat. Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang normal na buhay. Wala po itong pakialam sa inyong paghahanap-buhay, sa pag-aaral, sa lahat ng pagawa natin sa pang araw-araw," Garcia said in an ambush interview.

(Don't worry, people of Datu Odin Sinsuat. You will continue your normal lives. It will not affect your livelihood, studies, and your daily routines.)

"Ito pong deklarasyon ng Comelec control ay para sa aming lahat — sa Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), at Comelec. Gusto naming siguraduhin na wala muling magbubuwis ng buhay," he added.

(This declaration is for us all — the PNP, AFP, and Comelec. We want to ensure that no one will have to sacrifice their life again.)

Garcia said they do not intend to exercise their full power over the local government unit unless the Comelec "finds it necessary."

The poll chief said the powers of the Comelec are unlimited, just to ensure that there will be peace and order in the entire area under its control.