ON the heels of the explosion of three grenades near the town hall, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now considering having additional police and military presence in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, which earlier had been placed under the poll body’s control.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said there is a strong likelihood that more police and military personnel will be deployed in Buluan.
“We are already considering which actions to take since it is under Comelec control. One of them is increasing our forces there,” said Garcia.
Asked if taking over the local government unit is also being considered, the poll chief said: “Taking over the municipality is not yet being discussed.”
Last Friday, motorcycle-riding men exploded three grenades near the Buluan municipal hall, injuring an individual.
The incident came just days after the Commission en banc placed Buluan under Comelec control due to the surge in election-related violence in the area ahead of the May 12 polls.
Buluan is the second area placed under Comelec control for the May 12 polls, with the first being Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Unlike Buluan, Garcia noted how Datu Odin Sinsuat has been peaceful.
“Since the municipality was placed under Comelec control, we haven’t heard of any violence in the area,” he said.
