Comelec identifies more areas of concern in Central Visayas

INQUIRER FILES

CEBU CITY — More cities and municipalities in Central Visayas have been tagged as “areas of concern” ahead of the May 12 elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently increased the number of areas of concern in the region from five to 15.

Comelec Regional Director Francisco Pobe said all 15 localities were placed under the yellow category, which is in line with the decision of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC).

The yellow category means the areas had a history of political unrest or tension in past elections.

In Cebu, the areas under the yellow category are Daanbantayan, Balamban, Dumanjug, San Fernando, Argao, and Dalaguete towns, and Mandaue City and Cebu City.

In Bohol, the localities listed are San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon, and Tagbilaran City.

Pobe said the classification was based on assessments by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He clarified that being placed under the yellow category is not a cause for alarm but a measure to ensure peaceful and orderly elections by bolstering security deployments.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, director of the Central Visayas police, said they have not yet confirmed the presence of private armed groups in the region.

However, he acknowledged receiving information suggesting the possible existence of such groups. He said the police continued to validate these reports.

Maranan added that additional police personnel may be deployed to areas under the yellow category, if necessary, to prevent potential unrest due to heightened political tension.