27 areas in Eastern Visayas poll ‘areas of concern’

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — At least 27 localities in Eastern Visayas have been identified as “areas of concern” ahead of the May 12 midterm elections, prompting security forces to intensify preparations to ensure peaceful and orderly polls in the region.

Lawyer Remlane Tambuang, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional director, stressed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent election-related violence, especially in these areas.

“Our collective action is essential to address potential security threats and to ensure that all election-related activities are conducted safely and without fear,” he said in a statement.

Placed under the “yellow” category, or areas with a history of election-related violence, partisan political rivalry and the presence of private armed groups, were the towns of Albuera, Hilongos, Palompon, Tabontabon and Villaba in Leyte; Calbayog City and Basey, Gandara, Matuguinao, Paranas and Pinabacdao towns in Samar; and Lope de Vega and Rosario towns in Northern Samar.

Under the “orange” category were Baybay City and the towns of Tabango, Calubian, Leyte, and San Isidro in Leyte; as well as the towns of Catubig, Pambujan, Gamay, Palapag, Lapinig, Las Navas, Mapanas and Silvino Lobos town in Northern Samar.

The orange category faces the same risks as the yellow category but with the added threat of communist insurgency.

Placed under the “red” category, or areas with the highest risk due to elevated threats from armed groups, was Santa Margarita town in Samar.

The Regional Joint Security Control Center, composed of the Comelec and other agencies, including the police and military, pledged full cooperation to prevent disruptions during the elections. —Joey A. Gabieta