By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday placed Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte under its control following the killing of election officer Atty. Maceda Abo and her husband, Jojo, on March 26.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body finalized a resolution officially placing the Maguindanao town under Comelec control for the May 12 midterm elections.
“The Commission en banc had placed Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec Control,” he said in an interview. “The declaration is effective today and, therefore, the resolution is effective today.”
Garcia, meanwhile, clarified that they will not fully exercise their power over the local government unit (LGU) although it is allowed by law.
“We can automatically take over the LGU since it was declared under Comelec control. But if we don’t find it necessary, we won’t take over the LGU,” he said.
Garcia assured the Comelec will make the process as normal as possible.
“To the people, it has nothing to do with your work and studies. Don’t worry. It will be as normal as possible,” he said.
He said they would focus on the security concerns of Datu Odin Sinsuat.
“The powers of the Comelec are unlimited just to ensure that there will be peace and order in the entire area under Comelec control,” he said. (PNA)
