Comelec control of Manila urged

Barangay officials in Sampaloc are urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place Manila under its control following the broad daylight assassination of a partylist nominee outside his home last week. The brazen attack, carried out by motorcycle-riding gunmen, has sent shockwaves through the local political scene and intensified fears of violence as the May 2025 elections approach.

Despite a P1 million reward for information, the Manila Police District (MPD) has yet to make an arrest. Witnesses say the assailant was involved in a shootout with an off-duty police officer and may have been hit, but so far, no breakthrough in the case. A police station commander in the area has reportedly been relieved, though the MPD has not issued an official statement on the matter.

Fear is clearly spreading. A DAILY TRIBUNE source revealed that a leading mayoral candidate skipped a major caucus in District 5 last Friday due to death threats.

Barangay leaders in Sampaloc are now urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to step in and take control of the city’s peace and order situation.

“There’s too much at stake. If Comelec doesn’t act soon, this tightly contested race could spiral into violence,” said one official. “It’s no longer just about politics — these criminals are practically declaring war on the electoral process.”

Even supporters of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno are worried. One candidate from his camp, who asked not to be named, said the threat feels very real.

“Of course, we’re concerned. If someone can pull off a killing like that in the heart of the capital, what about the rest of us?” the candidate said. “We hope Comelec and the police take this seriously. Let’s see officers in full battle gear out there while there’s still time. If the criminals want war, let’s show them we’re prepared.”

With the campaign period nearing its end and major “miting de avance” events just around the corner, local officials are calling for urgent action. Some fear a repeat of past election-day violence, referencing the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing in Quiapo that left many dead and dozens wounded.

As of 19 March, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed that no area in the country has yet been placed under Comelec control. However, he emphasized that the commission continues to monitor the situation closely and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of reclassifying areas if necessary.

Nationally, the Philippine National Police has recorded 29 confirmed election-related violent incidents from October 2024 to 1 March.

Most of these occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Comelec has identified 403 election “areas of concern,” with 38 already placed under the “red” category — signifying a grave threat to peace and order.