A town from the province of Maguindanao del Sur was placed under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) control, following a series of shooting incidents ahead of the midterm elections.
Based on Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the Commission En Banc has the authority to place the area under its immediate and direct control and supervision, due to “threats that tend to disrupt the holding of free, peaceful, honest, orderly, and credible elections.”
The Comelec’s declaration seeks to prevent further violence and lawlessness in the area, as stated by the Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee’s recommendation. With this, the agency can address threats to public order and prevent further risks in the area.
Earlier this week, an electoral candidate and his driver were wounded after violence erupted in a town in Maguindanao del Sur.
However, this is not the first area placed under Comelec control. Earlier this month, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte was also placed under the poll body’s control, after an election officer and her husband were ambushed.
