Manila, April 15 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday placed Buluan town in Maguindanao del Sur under its control amid an increase in election-related violence in the area.

In Resolution No. 11131, the Comelec en banc designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as Commissioner-in-Charge in the town.

"Whereas, the series of shooting incidents and violence in the Municipality of Buluan, Province of Maguindanao del Sur posed threats to the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections thereat," the resolution read.

"Now, therefore, the Commission on Elections, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, and other pertinent laws resolves to declare that Municipality of Buluan, Province of Magu...