Comelec control in Abra town mulled after poll-related shooting

SECURITY MEASURE The Philippine National Police in Abra set up a checkpoint in one of the strategic areas in the province in this photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 to enforce the gun ban and strengthen security during the election period. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PNP ABRA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it is studying the possibility of putting Lagangilang town in Abra under its control due to a poll-related fatal shooting there.

The Lagangilang town saw the killings of village chairperson Lou Claro, 57; and municipal councilor Manzano Agdalpen Jr., 58.

READ: Village chief, councilor bet slain in Abra campaign rally shooting

“While it is possible that they may have prior disputes, just the same, we can’t help but classify it as election-related,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said in an ambush interview at Palacio del Gobernador.

“In our conclusion, it is election-related,” he added. “Things will not be heated between them if not for the election.”

Garcia also said the Comelec would have a command conference in Camp Crame to discuss the possibility of having more Comelec-controlled areas.

The Comelec will be the de facto local government unit in charge in areas under its control.

“For your information, there are two more areas in our country which are being considered to be put under Comelec control,” Garcia said, without giving further details since he said the poll body is still awaiting the findings of the military and police.

But when asked if the poll body was studying the possibility of putting Abra town under Comelec control, Garcia answered in the affirmative.

Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte is now under Comelec control, with Commissioner Noli Pipo  serving as the administrator.

READ: Pipo named as administrator of Comelec-controlled Datu Odin Sinsuat