Moises Padilla town placed under Comelec control

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) has placed the municipality of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental under its control due to “political violence,” citing the recent killing of two town councilors seeking reelection. “These events show that they fall squarely under the parameter…for an area to be declared under Comelec control. This is urgent and necessary,” said Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez. Councilor Michael Garcia and his uncle, former ABC Party-list president Mark Garcia, were shot dead inside their vehicle after coming from a campaign sortie last April 25. Another councilor, Jolomar Hilario, was gunned down by alleged New People’s Army rebels on March 30. The Philippine National Police has confirmed that the police recommended the measure, which was approved in a resolution by the Comelec en banc. Other areas under Comelec control include Daraga City in Albay and Cotabato City. Under Comelec control, the election body takes immediate supervision over all national and local officials and employees required by law to perform duties and/or to comply with certain prohibitions relative to the conduct of the elections — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras, with a report from Gillian M. Cortez