Comelec: Areas under 'red' category down from 38 to 36

The number of areas of concern listed under the “red” category for Eleksyon 2025 has decreased from 38 to 36, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Based on the latest list released by the poll body, the following areas are currently under the red category, or those with serious threat of election-related violence as of March 19:

• Maconacon, Isabela
• Baleno, Masbate
• Sta. Margarita, Western Samar
• Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental
• La Libertad, Negros Oriental
• Nunungan, Lanao del Norte
• Al-Barka, Basilan
• Balindong Watu, Lanao del Dur
• Bayang, Lanao del Sur
• Binidayan, Lanao del Sur
• Buadipuso Buntong, Lanao del Sur
• Butig, Lanao del Sur
• Lumbaca-Unayan, Lanao del Sur
• Maguing, Lanao del Sur
• Malabang, Lanao del Sur
• Marantao, Lanado del Sur
• Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
• Marogong, Lanao del Sur
• Masiu, Lanao del Sur
• Mulondo, Lanao del Sur
• Piagapo, Lanao del Sur
• Pualas, Lanao del Sur
• Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur
• Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur
• Tamparan, Lanao del Sur
• Tubaran, Lanao del Sur
• Tugaya, Lanao del Sur
• Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur
• Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur
• Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur
• Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur
• Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur
• Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur
• Rajan Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur
• South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur
• Sultan Sa Barongis Lambayong, Maguindanao del Sur

In January, the Comelec placed 38 out of around 1,642 election areas of concern under the “red” category ahead of the May polls.

“Dati ang tinitingnan lagi yung kasaysayan ng lugar base when it comes to election-related incidents pero ngayon ang tinitingnan nila yung pinakalatest in the last three months. Ano ba nangyari? Meron bang pagbabago sa peace and order situation at talaga bang nagkaroon na ng katahimikan sa lugar o wala bang election-related violence,” poll chairperson George Erwin Garcia told reporters.

(Before, we are looking into an area’s history when it comes to election-related incidents but now, they are basing on the situation on the last three months.)

Meanwhile, the number of areas under the orange category declined to 156 from 177; 194 areas were declared under yellow category while 1,256 areas were under the green category.

Comelec control

Garcia said the Comelec has yet to declare any areas in the country under its control so far. However, the poll body is expecting an increase in election-related incidents after the start of the campaign period for local candidates on March 28.

"In certain areas, yes. Pero sana itong ginagawa nating peace covenant sa iba't ibang munisipyo at siyudad sana magkaroon ng epekto sa general peace situation," Garcia added.

(We're expecting an increase in election-related incidents in certain areas but we are hoping the peace covenants will have a positive effect on the general peace situation.)

On Tuesday, gubernatorial candidates from Maguindanao provinces signed a peace covenant for the safe and peaceful conduct of the upcoming May polls.

Comelec resolution No. 11067 states that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) classify all areas in the country under four categories: green, yellow, orange, and red.

Areas under the green category are areas with no security concerns or is relatively peaceful and orderly for the conduct of elections.

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.

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

Meanwhile, red areas meet the parameters for yellow and have serious threats posed by CTGs or other threat groups. There should also be Security forces will focus on monitoring these areas with the possibility for violence and intense political fights among local candidates. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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