Maguindanao del Sur: 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.

According to Philippine News Agency, the decision to put Buluan under Comelec 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. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia noted that Buluan was initially under the orange category, which signifies serious armed threats, but was directly placed under Comelec Control.

The recent acts of violence include the April 13 ambush in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, a neighboring town, where provincial board member candidate Muhammad Utti Omar and his driver Abel Bunsalagat Buisan were injured. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Additionally, Comelec has recommended the replacement of three officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This includes Bangsamoro Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Director Col. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr., and Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Col. Ryan Bobby Paloma.

Commissioner Ferolino cited the "continued failure" of these officials to cooperate with Comelec, particularly in failing to act on security requests. Ferolino emphasized the importance of protecting field officers and employees from harm due to negligence.

Comelec Chairperson Garcia stated that while they will not force the PNP to follow their recommendations, they will communicate their concerns to the police force.