PNP, Army consider 5 Maguindanao towns as hot spot areas

BULUAN, Maguindanao – Police and military authorities considered five towns in Maguindanao
as hot spots and to be placed in areas of immediate concern” category to
prevent violence and ensure smooth 2016 local and national elections.

Senior Supt.
Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police director, told the Maguindanao peace and
order council (MPOC) meeting, chaired and convened by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael
Toto Mangudadatu on Thursday, that violent incidents related to elections are
likely to erupt in these towns unless a comprehensive security plan is in
place.

He identified
these towns as Datu Unsay, Rajah Buayan, Sultan sa Barongis, Sultan Mastura and
Matanog.

This is based
on our intelligence information, violence could erupt in these areas due to the
presence of lawless elements, private armed groups and possible intense rivalry
among politicians,” Muksan said.

We will
continue monitoring, we will compare notes with the military,” Muksan added.

Although
surprised Matanog was included in the list to be included in areas of immediate
concern” category, Mayor Mohammad Kits Guro welcomed the inclusion of his town.

On the second
thought, Guro said, the recommendation will work for the good of the people of
Matanog. I think it is good for us because an increased police and military
presence will ensure peaceful and credible elections,” Guro said. I see it as positive development.”

Maj. Gen.
Edmuno Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division who has
over-all jurisdiction of all military forces in Maguindanao, was present during
the PPOC meeting. He said police and military officials, including intelligence
operatives will regularly meet to compare notes, discuss the information we
have and plan better.”

The illegal
armed groups always pose threats to any exercise like election,” Pangilinan
added.

Lawyer Sarip
Tago, Comelec provincial director, told the MPOC participants that the poll
body is leaving the security issues to police and military authorities.

His concern
was the practice of politicians using police and military as security escorts.

We should not
make use of our police and soldiers as security escorts, you can hire highly
trained security guards,” Tago suggested.

Mangudadatu who
is seeking his last term as provincial governor in next year’s election has
urged political leaders to level up the campaign in Maguindanao.

Let us do
away with violence, bloody elections that will only add to the negative
impression about Maguindanao,” he said in Filipino.

Please, let
us not make this election like sparring (of a boxing bout), it’s just numbers’
game and may the best man win,” Mangudadatu said.

Maguindanao
has about 500,00 registered voters.

In 2009, 58
persons were killed, 32 of them journalists, in an election related violence
now known as Maguindanao massacre. It
has become the country’s worst election related violence in recent history.
(Ferdinandh Cabrera)