THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday placed the town of Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur under its control due to the surge in election-related violence in the area ahead of the May 12 polls.
In its Resolution No. 11131, the Commission en banc designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as commissioner-in-charge in Buluan.
The poll body said the decision to put Buluan under its control was recommended by its Gun Ban and Security Concerns committee after provincial board member candidate Muhammad Utti Omar and his driver, Abel Bunsalagat Buisan were injured in an ambush last Sunday in Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur.
Police authorities are still investigating the motive and identities of the gunmen.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said Buluan town is the second area placed by the Comelec under its control. The first was Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.
Garcia said the surge in election-related violence in Buluan is very concerning.
“I believe Buluan was under the orange category. We no longer saw the need to place it under red category and instead immediately declared it under Comelec control,” he said.
With the placing of Buluan under the poll body’s control, Garcia said they can now get a better grasp of the situation in the municipality and “see if we need to increase our forces, takeover the local government, or add more checkpoints.”
BARMM COPS
Meanwhile, the Comelec yesterday called for the replacement of three ranking police officials assigned in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), on the recommendation of Ferolino, chairperson of the the Comelec’s Gun Ban and Security Concerns committee.
The poll body, under Minute Resolution No. 25-0455, wants the relief of 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.
In her recommendation, Ferolino cited the “continued failure” of the three officials in cooperating with the Comelec in performing election-related acts.
She cited as an example the failure of the police personnel to act on the request of the late Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte Election Officer (EO) Maceda L. Abo for the provision of security detail.
“I cannot allow another field officer or employee to suffer harm – or worse, lose their life – because of the gross negligence and incompetence of those entrusted with their protection,” said Ferolino.
She said another incident is the response to the conduct of a nationwide Risk and Threat Assessment (RTA) for all election officials and personnel, which would have proactively prevented shootings and other acts of violence.
“To date, the Police Regional Office BAR (PRO BAR) has failed to submit a report that adequately responds to this request,” she said.
Garcia said they will immediately forward their request to the PNP.
“Out of respect to the PNP, we will not force them to follow our recommendations. We will just convey our sentiment,” he said.
“We shall see first the response of the PNP to our recommendations,” added Garcia.
ABRA
In Abra, the Diocese of Bangued is set to hold a “Walk for Peace” event today at the St. James the Elder Cathedral amid the increasing number of shooting incidents in the province.
In a statement, Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian called on the faithful to participate in the event set from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
“Amidst the senseless violence and bloodshed afflicting Abra, our beloved province, our faith compels us to rise and stand as bearers of light, unity, and hope,” said Jaucian.
“I, therefore, call on all Christian believers and peacemakers to join us for a Walk for Peace,” he added.
The prelate said the event is “not merely a gathering” but a testament to everyone’s commitment to peace and the sanctity of life.
“We are called not only to pray for peace but to actively work for it and build it, knowing that every human life is a gift from God-precious, irreplaceable, and deserving of dignity,” said Jaucian.
The event was organized amid the growing number of shooting incidents in the province, with 17 shooting incidents reported across Abra from January 12 to March 31.
The Comelec has earlier said it is open to placing Abra under its control if the violent incidents persist.
