MANILA, Philippines — Misamis Occidental and the town of Pilar in Abra were placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to election-related violence.
“In line with the security and safety concerns in this elections, upon the recommendation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center of Region X… the Committee on Ban of Firearms and Security Concerns has placed the province of Misamis Occidental under Comelec Control,” Comelec chair Saidamen Pangarungan said during a ceremonial send-off of security forces in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“On the other hand, upon the recommendation of [Cordillera Administrative Region] Regional Election Director Ederlino Tabilas and the petition of Mayor Maro Somera on the urgent need to place Pilar, Abra under Comelec Control, I have affirmatively acted as well,” he added.
Pangarungan told the security personnel to uphold their basic duty, which is to serve the people.
“Be loyal to your constitutional mandate as you safeguard the sanctity of the ballot. Protect our polling places and the Board of Election Inspectors,” he said.
Pangarungan assured the residents of areas placed under Comelec control that there will be a peaceful and orderly polls on May 9.
“The residents in areas under Comelec control should have no apprehension and fear in such a status as the declaration will ensure that there will be clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections,” he said.
Earlier, Pilar in Abra was classified as a “red” area of concern after the shootout between the security team of Pilar Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono and local police officers.
Comelec has previously placed under its control the towns of Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Mangudadatu, Pandag, and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; Marawi City, Malabang, Tubaran, and Maguing in Lanao del Sur.