FILE PHOTO: Comelec chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan . INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Twelve municipalities in Maguindanao were identified as “hotly contested” in the May 9 polls, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Saidamen Pangarungan revealed Thursday.
In an ambush interview on the sidelines of the local and national elections peace covenant signing, Pangarungan was asked if there are places in Mindanao that could be placed under Comelec control for this year’s elections.
“Marami. Like in Maguindanao, we have identified 12 hotly contested municipalities. Actually, nagbabarilan na sila ngayon, mga ambush-ambush but hindi pa lumalala. ‘Pag lumala ‘yan, mapipilitan akong i-declare ‘yan under Comelec control,” he replied.
(Many. Like in Maguindanao, we have identified 12 hotly contested municipalities. Actually, they are shooting one another now, ambush, but it has not escalated yet. If that worsens, I will be forced to declare them under Comelec control.)
“Meron din sa Lanao del Sur like ‘yung Maguing, Marawi, at saka Butig. Binabantayan namin ‘yan but may potential ‘yan na mag-erupt into violence. Also in Basilan,” he added.
(There are areas also in Lanao del Sur like Maguing, Marawi, and Butig. We are monitoring that but there is a potential that it could erupt into violence. Also in Basilan.)
Earlier, the Comelec placed Malabang and Tubaran towns in Lanao del Sur under its control.
Meanwhile, Pangarungan decided not to place Pilar town in Abra province under Comelec control despite the recent stand-off between police and armed men of Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono.
READ: 12 security aides of Abra town vice mayor surrender after standoff with police
“I consulted with the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the [Philippine National Police] just like this morning, I talked to them and asked their opinion if there is a need to declare Pilar under Comelec control. Sabi nila, ‘hindi’ (They said, ‘no’) and this was confirmed by our regional election director. Kaya (So) I decided to not pursue the plan anymore,” said Pangarungan.
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