By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday placed Buluan town in Maguindanao del Sur under its control amid an increase in election-related violence in the area.
In Resolution No. 11131, the Comelec en banc designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as Commissioner-in-Charge in the town.
“Whereas, the series of shooting incidents and violence in the Municipality of Buluan, Province of Maguindanao del Sur posed threats to the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections thereat,” the resolution read.
“Now, therefore, the Commission on Elections, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, and other pertinent laws resolves to declare that Municipality of Buluan, Province of Maguindanao del Sur, is now under Comelec Control.”
The poll body noted that the decision to put the town under its control was based on the recommendation of its Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee.
Buluan is the second area to be placed under Comelec control for the May 12 polls after Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte.
“I believe Buluan was under the orange category. We no longer saw the need to place it under red category and instead immediately declared it under Comelec Control,” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in a message.
Orange areas have serious armed threats.
On April 13, Muhammad Utti Omar, a candidate for provincial board member, and his driver, Abel Bunsalagat Buisan, were ambushed and injured in Buluan’s neighboring town Datu Anggal Midtimbang, also in Maguindanao del Sur.
Authorities said they are still investigating the motive and identities of the gunmen.
Meanwhile, the Comelec sought the replacement of three officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
In its Minute Resolution No. 25-0455, the seven-member panel of the Commission adopted the recommendation of its Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee to call for the replacement of Bangsamoro Police Regional Director PBGEN. Romeo Macapaz, Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Director PCOL. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr., and Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Director PCOL. Ryan Bobby Paloma.
“The Commission, after due deliberation, resolves to note the request of Commissioner Aimee Ferolino to relieve the following PNP personnel from their respective posts,” the poll body added.
In her recommendation, Ferolino cited the “continued failure” of the three officials in cooperating with the Comelec in performing election-related acts particularly the failure to act on the request of the late Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte Election Officer Maceda Abo for the provision of security detail.
“I cannot allow another field officer or employee to suffer harm or worse, lose their life, because of the gross negligence and incompetence of those entrusted with their protection,” said Ferolino.
On the other hand, Garcia noted that they will forward the request of the poll body to the PNP.
“Out of respect to the PNP, we will not force them to follow our recommendations. We will just convey our sentiment,” he added.
