PNP checking more possible election areas of concern

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that it is checking if some areas should be added or removed from the list of election areas of concern for the coming May 2025 elections.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said regional joint security control centers are expected to submit a report on the matter soon.

“Iniintay po ng concerned directorates yung report po ng mga respective regional joint security control center doon po sa ginagawa nilang revalidation kung meron pang madadagdag o mababawas sa 403,” she said.

(The concerned directorates are waiting for the report of the respective regional joint security control centers on their revalidation if any areas can be added or removed from the 403.)

Citing the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Fajardo said a total of 403 areas have been included in the list of election areas of concern as of January 9.

Of the total number, 188 are under the yellow category.

Yellow areas have reported suspected election-related incidents in the past two polls, provided there was no participation of domestic terror groups. The areas should also be previously declared under Comelec control and reported the possible presence of armed groups, and intense political rivalries.

A total of 177 areas are under the orange category.

Orange areas should have the combination of two or more factors under the yellow category; and should have serious armed threats posed by terror and threat groups.

Meanwhile, 38 areas are under the red category.

Red areas meet the parameters for yellow and have serious threats posed by terror and threat groups. Security forces will focus on monitoring these areas with the possibility for violence and intense political fights among local candidates.

The election period started January 12.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups is set from February 11 to May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for House of Representatives and parliamentary, provincial, city and municipal elections will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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