Manila, March 27 -- Police officers would serve as members of electoral boards (EBs) in polling precincts in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte for the May 12 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.

This came after Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia recommended placing the area under the poll body's control.

"The Comelec en banc is set to approve the tapping of PNP personnel from other regions to serve as members of the Electoral Boards, as support staff, and even as Department of Education Supervisor Officials," he said in an interview.

The poll body chief added that such an action is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the EBs on Election Day.

"Don't ever test the will of this Commis...