By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The municipality of Daraga, Albay and Cotabato City have been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“Comelec control has been declared over the municipality of Daraga, Albay and the City of Cotabato,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement Tuesday.
He noted that this was stated in a poll en banc resolution which takes effect immediately.
“In both cases, Comelec control shall be effective immediately upon publication of the Resolution, and shall last until the end of the election period,” Jimenez added.
The election period for the May 13 midterm elections started on January 13 and will run until June 12.
Under the law, the Comelec may place any political subdivision under its immediate and direct control and supervision if, among other things, there is a history of – or current – intense political rivalry among contending parties, as such rivalries could motivate people to engage in violent acts.
Once an area is placed under Comelec control, the poll body will immediately take control over all national and local officials in the affected place.
The poll body will also exercise full control and supervision over all national and local law enforcement agencies, as well as military personnel assigned or deployed in that area.
