Election officer, husband shot dead in Maguindanao del Norte ambush

Metro Manila, Philippines - An election officer and her husband in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte were shot on Wednesday, March 26, the provincial police reported.

The police identified the victims as election officer Maceda Abo and her husband, Jojo Abo.

Authorities said the couple came from their home and were passing the Cotabato-Sharrif Aguak Road in Barangay Makir when gunmen fired at their vehicle around 8:20 a.m.

“Victims were rushed to the nearest hospital but Mr. Abo was pronounced dead on arrival while Atty. Maceda Abo was severely injured,” the report said.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said Maceda transferred hospitals for further treatment but later on also died.

Officers said a “hot pursuit operation” was launched to capture the gunmen.

Comelec control

Abo and her husband were killed a week after gubernatorial bets in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur committed to holding safe elections.

Garcia said Abo was present during the signing and also attended a meeting related to preparations for the beginning of the local campaign on March 28.

He said Abo did not report threats or intimidation but said her request for security detail may have been denied days before the ambush.

“Whether it is election-related or not election-related violence, at this point, ano pa ba naman ang magiging conclusion ng Comelec kundi election-related violence 'yan?” said Garcia.

[Translation: Whether it is election-related or not election-related violence, at this point, what else should the Comelec conclude but that it is election-related violence.]

Garcia said a local candidate’s lawyer and her fiance have also recently been killed in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

“Kaya ako mismo ay magre-recommend sa Commission en banc na ang Datu Odin Sinsuat ay ilagay sa Comelec control,” the chief said.

[Translation: So I, myself, will recommend to the Commission en banc that Datu Odin Sinsuat be placed under Comelec control.]

Garcia said Comelec control means full and absolute control of an area.

“Sinasabi namin: Huwag na huwag pong sasaktan at tatakutin ang mga empleyado ng Comelec at ang mga botante dahil hindi po papayag ang Comelec sa ganiyang bagay,” he added.

[Translation: We keep on saying: Do not hurt and intimidate the Comelec employees and the voters because the Comelec will not allow such a thing.]

According to Comelec’s latest data on election areas of concern, Datu Odin Sinsuat is now under the orange category which signifies areas tagged with serious threats.