Comelec eyes poll control over Maguindanao provinces after election officer's killing

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia is considering placing both Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur under Comelec control due to reported violent incidents.

This consideration follows the ambush and killing of Datu Odin Sinsuat election officer Atty. Maceda L. Abo and her husband, Jojo Abo.

Garcia will recommend to the Comelec en banc placing Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control.

The poll body is also studying recommendations from field personnel to place the entire Maguindanao province, including Maguindanao del Sur, under its control.

Comelec will not tolerate the harm or intimidation of its employees and voters.

The motive for the killing of Atty. Abo is still unknown, though she had reportedly requested a security detail.

Once under Comelec control, the poll body would have full and absolute control over the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local government units in the area.