PNP identifies over 700 areas as poll hot spots

As the 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups started Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde disclosed that they have identified 701 election hot spots.

In view of the development, Albayalde said the PNP will be changing plans in their  deployment for election duties considering the number of poll hot spots.

“The move is prompted by latest validated information of election watch list of areas that identified a total of 701 election hot spots that comprise 42.9% of the 1,634 cities and municipalities across the country,” Albayalde said at a conference in Camp Crame.

These 701 election hot spots are categorized in three different levels:  Yellow category or election areas of concern, Orange category or election areas of immediate concern and Red category or election areas of grave concern.

According to Albayalde, they have identified 223 areas under the yellow category, 382 under Orange category and 94 under the Red category.

“Sa 94 na ito, there are places that will possibly be under the Comelec Control pero ito ay pinag-aaralan pa ng Comelec,” Albayalde said.

Areas under the Yellow category are cities and municipalities that have a history of election-related incidents, political rivalry and had been previously placed under control by the Commission on Elections.

In the Orange category, the city or the municipality is under threat of armed groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf (ASG), among others.

Meanwhile, Red areas exhibit the combined factors under the Yellow and Orange categories.

Twenty-seven Red areas were identified in ARMM, 19 in Bicol Region Region, seven each in Calabarzon and Western Mindanao, six each in Mimaropa and Western Visayas,

Also, under the Red categories were five areas in Northern Minadanao, four each in SOCSKSARGEN and Cordillera, three in Eastern Visayas, two each in Central Luzon and Davao Region, and one each in Caraga and Cagayan Valley Region.

Meanwhile, in the National Capital Region and Ilocos Region, no areas have been placed under the Red category.

As of now, Albayalde said two areas are under Comelec control — Cotabato City and Daraga, Albay.

Albayalde reiterated that the PNP will adhere to all the Comelec Resolutions such as the ban on carrying of firearms and employment of bodyguards.

“We will ensure to remain apolitical and to protect the will of the electorate by ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News