Comelec eyes control of Daraga after death of solon, bodyguard

December 27, 2018

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seriously considering placing the municipality of Daraga in Albay under its control during the May 2019 midterm polls following the assassination of AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his bodyguard last Saturday. In a press briefing on Thursday, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez announced they are looking at recommendations by local poll officials to place Daraga under Comelec control. “Local Comelec officials have expressed concern that this might exacerbate current intense political rivalries in the area, leading to further violent incidents,” said Jimenez. “Such a situation could conceivably undermine the conduct of peaceful and credible election in 2019,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte, who attended the wake of Batocabe Wednesday night, contacted Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas to place Daraga under Comelec control. He said said the Comelec en banc is set to discuss this proposal along with assessments of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “If the move is approved by the Commission, Comelec control has been requested to take effect on the 13th of January 2019 or the start of the election period,” he noted. Jimenez said Comelec en banc may opt to set the start date earlier or later, depending on when “it deems appropriate”. DMS