Manila: Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia has recommended placing Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, under the control of the poll body in the upcoming midterm elections following a deadly ambush.
According to Philippines News Agency, the decision comes after the town's election officer, lawyer Bai Maceda Abo, and her husband Jojo were killed in an ambush on Wednesday. Garcia emphasized the importance of safeguarding Comelec employees and voters, stating, "We have already stated in the past that they shouldn't touch our Comelec employees and the voters. They shouldn't be harmed or terrorized. The Comelec won't allow it."
Garcia announced his intention to recommend to the Commission en banc that Datu Odin Sinsuat be placed under Comelec control. He also called for the Regional Joint Security Command Conference to discuss the proposal.
"I ordered for the convening of the Regional Election Director, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police to discuss the proposal to place Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control. We will come out with a decision on this as soon as possible. We will try to decide before the start of the local campaign period," Garcia stated.
If the proposal is approved, Comelec would assume full control of the area, acting as the de facto local government unit. Garcia outlined that Comelec would establish guidelines and policies for implementing its control over the region.
Initial reports indicated that the victims were traveling in their sports utility vehicle when they were attacked by gunmen in Barangay Makir at around 8:30 a.m. Jojo died at the scene, while Bai Maceda Abo succumbed to her injuries later at Cotabato City Hospital.
Garcia noted that the ambush was not an isolated incident, as the area has experienced similar violent occurrences. He expressed frustration at the timing of the attack, which occurred just a week after a peace covenant signing between candidates in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur at Camp Gonzalo Siongco.
"It seems that they are testing the power and the patience of the Comelec on these matters," Garcia remarked.
