Datu Odin Sinsuat: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has appointed Commissioner Noli Rafol Pipo to oversee Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, which has been placed under Comelec's control for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. Pipo will be responsible for managing all election-related activities in the area, as stated by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia during an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pipo's role grants him extensive authority, with direct reporting to the Commission en banc. Garcia emphasized the importance of preventing violence, ensuring that teachers and voters are not intimidated, and conducting proper elections in the area. He issued a warning against testing Comelec's power and determination to organize the nation's elections effectively.
Garcia highlighted Pipo's previous experience as the regional director of Comelec in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which aligns him well for the responsibilities. Plans are underway to establish a satellite office to monitor polling activities, potentially within Camp Awang, to better oversee the situation.
Garcia clarified that there is no interference with the local government unit (LGU) as there is no evidence implicating the LGU in any violent incidents. He reassured that life continues as normal, and Comelec's declaration serves as a precautionary measure to ensure readiness.
Additionally, Garcia expressed his concern over the spread of misinformation and urged authorities, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, to address the issue of online trolls spreading fake news. He clarified that the ballots for the election have not been delivered yet, with delivery scheduled for April 22.
Over the weekend, misleading photos circulated on social media, suggesting that ballots were stored in a residential area in Davao City. However, iOne Resources Joint Venture with Ardent Networks, Inc. (iOne V), the transmission service provider for the Commission, clarified that the images depicted Starlink Satellite Transmission devices and solar panels, not election materials. The poll body is set to begin installing equipment in voting and canvassing centers across the Davao Region starting April 15.
