MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likely to place the province of Sulu under its control or among areas of concern following the ambush of its official from Sulu in Zamboanga City.
Speaking in Filipino, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that if there was that kind of violence, it was possible that Sulu could be placed “underComelec control” or consider the province an “area of concern.”
Garcia issued the statement on Sunday, a day after Sulu provincial supervisor Vidzfar Julie Amil was ambushed in Zamboanga City by motorcycle riding men.
Garcia said, however, that the Sulu incident will be studied thoroughly first, including the determination if the incident was election-related or for some other reasons.
The poll chief said that despite the violent incident, the Commission was also very careful in its determination whether an area should be placed under its control or aa an area of concern because it would seriously affect the status of a particular place or drive away investors if the place is labeled as violent.
He added that the poll body would also need to consult with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the determinatio if a place should be placed under Comelec control or under areas of concern.
