Comelec receives request to place Lanao del Norte under its control

COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes said Wednesday they have received an official request for the placing of Lanao del Norte under its control for the May 13 polls.

Brillantes, however, has no details yet of the request.

Running for provincial governor are incumbent Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo of the Nationalist People’s Coalition; Casan Maquiling of the Liberal Party; Diego Palomares of the Aksyon Party; and independent candidate Michael Siangco.

Comelec Resolution No. 3618 states that the Comelec may place an area under its control when intense political rivalry between or among candidates, political factions or parties; or the presence of paramilitary forces, private armies or identifiable armed bands threaten to disrupt the holding of free, peaceful, honest, orderly and credible elections.

Under this situation, the commission shall take immediate and direct control and supervision over all national and local officials and employees while exercising full control and supervision over all national and local law enforcement agencies as well as military officers and men assigned or deployed there.

On the other hand, the poll chief said that, for the moment, he does not see the need of placing the city of Manila under their control despite the intense rivalry between former President Joseph Estrada and incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim.

“The campaign period has not even started yet. To me, it is still normal even though it has become a bit personal,” said Brillantes.

He was reacting to the televised debate between Lim and Estrada that was marked by an exchange of insults and personal attacks.

Still, he said the commission en banc has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to regularly update the former on the peace and order situation in the country.

“This is for the purpose of determining whether we will declare a certain area an area of concern, an area of immediate concern, an area of great concern, or put it under Comelec Control,” said Brillantes.

Local candidates can start their campaign on March 30. (HDT/Sunnex)