Datu Odin Sinsuat now under Comelec control ahead of Eleksyon 2025

The Commission on Elections formally placed Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte under its control ahead of the midterm polls on May 12, 2025.

This was announced by Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Friday, April 4.

“We would like to officially announce to all of you that the Comelec en banc has placed Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control,” said Garcia. 

On Thursday, Garcia said the municipality is set to be placed under Comelec control following a fatal ambush attack that left an election officer and her spouse dead. 

However, the poll body has yet to issue the resolution, which would contain the guidelines defining the implications and limitations if an area is under their control.  The order will be effective immediately following the issuance of the resolution of the poll body. 

“We’re going to release the resolution today and therefore, we’re expecting the PNP and AFP to kindly help the Comelec to ensure that the peace and order situation in the area and others included in the 36 red category areas and the people will be protected,” he added.

On March 26, election officer Atty. Maceda L. Abo and her husband died after unidentified gunmen fired shots at her vehicle as they were traversing the Cotabato-Sharrif Aguak Road in Barangay Makir.

Garcia earlier said he would personally recommend placing Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control following the fatal incident. 

No need to worry

Meanwhile, Garcia assured residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat there is no need to worry over the declaration, saying it is meant to ensure peace and safety in the area during the May elections. 

“Gusto ko lang samantalahin din na 'wag po sana matakot ang mga kababayan natin sa Datu Odin Sinsuat.  Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang normal na buhay,” said Garcia. 

(We want to tell the residents that they should not worry over the order.)

“Ito pong declaration ng Comelec control ay para sa'ming lahat —sa PNP, AFP, Comelec. Gusto lang namin siguraduhin na wala muling magbubuwis ng buhay lalong-lalo na 'yung nangyari sa'min na tauhan ng Comelec,” he said. 

(The declaration was meant for us in the PNP, AFP, and Comelec. We just want to make sure no lives will be lost again.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News

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