6 areas may be placed under Comelec control

MANILA, Philippines - Due to threats of violence, six cities and provinces may be placed under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) control during the May 2010 elections.

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said the Commission is currently deliberating on the possibility of putting at least six areas under their direct control.

Tagle said the Comelec received formal requests to declare Zamboanga del Sur, San Manuel in Pangasinan, Iloilo City, Nueva Ecija, Maguindanao and Ilocos Sur under their supervision.

“They almost have the same reasons, but we will ask the opinion and recommendation of the PNP,” said Tagle, who chairs the Committee on Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel.

Tagle said Libangan Vice Mayor Wilson Nandan filed a formal petition seeking the placing of the town under Comelec control while the others submitted letter requests to the Comelec.

Poll officials would gain direct supervision of the local government units, including police and military personnel once placed under Comelec control.

Tagle said the Comelec has not received a request to put Makatu City and Masbate under their control despite published news reports on such proposal.