Comelec takes control of Buluan in Maguindanao due to election violence

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has taken control of Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur following a series of shooting incidents that threatened the safety of local election candidates.

Poll chief George Erwin Garcia announced this decision due to increasing election-related violence, which prompted Comelec to implement similar guidelines as those used for Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Under Resolution No. 11067, Comelec now has direct control over Buluan's local officials and law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence in the area; on Tuesday, Comelec issued another resolution (No. 11131) designating Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as Commissioner-in-Charge.

Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino requested the relief of three high-ranking police officials due to their failure to act promptly on security detail requests from Comelec field personnel.

This move aims to ensure a safer electoral process by intensifying security measures such as heightened surveillance and increased police presence, with Buluan being the second area to be placed under Comelec control for the May 12 polls after Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte.

Incidents of violence have also increased in other parts of the country believed to be related to the upcoming elections, with tensions expected to rise during the campaign period.