MANILA, Philippines โ The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur under its control following a rise in election-related violence ahead of the 2025 polls.
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia confirmed the move on Tuesday, April 15, saying the decision took effect immediately following an en banc resolution issued the same day.
โThe Comelec en banc is now placing Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur under Comelec control,โ Garcia told reporters in a briefing.
This means the poll body now has full authority over the areaโincluding its security operationsโaimed at ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
What triggered the move?
According to reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Comelec regional officials, violent incidents in Buluan have been on the rise and are likely politically motivated.
Garcia cited the ambush of Maguindanao del Sur First District Board Member and re-electionist Datu Baba Omar on Sunday, April 14, as a key factor in the decision. Omar escaped unharmed, but his driver sustained injuries.
โBase sa report ng PNP, AFP, at Comelec regional, tumataas ang bilang ng insidente ng karahasan sa Buluan na maituturing nating election-related,โ Garcia said.
Comelec: Not the first hotspot
Earlier this year, the poll body also placed Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte under its control following the killing of a local election officer and her husband. Unidentified gunmen ambushed the couple while en route to her office.
Despite a decline in violent incidents there, Garcia said Datu Odin Sinsuat will remain under Comelec control until after the 2025 elections.
The poll body is currently evaluating two more areas for possible inclusion under its jurisdiction due to similar threats.
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