THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte under its control following the March 26 killing of election officer lawyer Maceda Abo and her husband, Jojo.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced on Friday that the Commission en banc had approved a resolution placing the town under Comelec control ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
“The Commission en banc has placed Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control,” Garcia said in an interview.
The declaration took effect Friday.
While the law allows Comelec to assume full authority over the local government unit (LGU), Garcia clarified that this power would be exercised only if necessary.
“Technically, we can take over the LGU, but if we see no urgent need, we won’t,” he explained.
Garcia assured residents that the declaration would not disrupt daily life.
“This has nothing to do with your work or studies. Life will continue as normally as possible,” he said.
He emphasized that the Commission’s focus is on addressing security issues in the area.
“Comelec has broad powers to ensure peace and order in any area under its control,” he added.
