COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 16 April) — The municipality of Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur was placed under Comelec control on Tuesday, shortly after Datu Odin Sinsuat in neighboring Maguindanao del Norte was declared as such due to a series of politically linked killings. Under Comelec control, the electoral processes in both towns are now under direct supervision by the Comelec, involving the deployment of additional personnel, relief of local officials, stricter security measures, and control over the movement of people and goods. More government troops, including 700 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers from the Philippine National Police, will be deployed to secure the elections in response to the 3,000 police force requested by PRO-BAR for the 109 areas of election concern identified by Comelec in the region. Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, PRO-BAR regional director, emphasized their readiness to follow Comelec directives. Comelec Commissioner Noli Pipo highlighted a focus on preventive measures across the two Maguindanao provinces and suggested the possibility of warrantless arrests and confiscations in highly suspicious cases. Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu supported the move, describing it as timely and necessary to restore order and encourage residents to vote without fear. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
