LIST: Comelec names 38 high-risk areas for midterm polls

Metro Manila, Philippines – Thirty-eight cities and municipalities — mostly in the Bangsamoro region — are under the red category, the highest risk level, for areas of concern in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Thursday, Jan. 9.

The poll body released the list in a press conference with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

Areas are placed under the red category if these have “serious armed threats” from communist terrorist groups or other threat groups and meet at least one of the following criteria:

+ there were suspected election-related incidents in the last two elections or during the current election period,

+ there is intense partisan political activity,

+ there is possible employment of private armed groups, or potential PAGs by candidates, and

+ that the area was previously under Comelec control.

Areas under the red category as of Jan. 8 are the following:

Region 2 (Cagayan Valley)

Jones

Maconacon

Region 5 (Bicol)

Baleno

Masbate City

Region 6 (Western Visayas)

Calinog

Region 8 (Eastern Visayas)

Santa Margarita

BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)

Al Barka

Ampatuan

Bacolod-Kalawi

Balindong Watu

Bayang

Binidayan

Buadiposo Buntong

Buluan

Butig

Cotabato City

Datu Odin Sinsuat (Dinaig)

Datu Paglas

Datu Piang (Dulawan)

Datu Salino

Datu Saudi Ampatuan

Hadji Mohammad Ajul

Maguing

Mamasapano

Mangudadatu

Marantao

Marawi City

Marogong

Paglat

Pandag

Pualas

Rajah Buayan

Saguiaran

Shariff Saydona Mustapha

South Upl

Sultan Barongis Lambayong

Tubaran

Tugaya

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said people in areas of concern should not be alarmed. He added that this simply means the Comelec, PNP, and AFP will increase their presence in these areas and enforce stricter checkpoints to maintain peace and security.

Under the red category, Comelec, on its initiative, may assume control over the areas if necessary.

Garcia said security concerns should not hinder the conduct of the elections.

“Consideration naman talaga ang security kapag magko-conduct ng halalan pero kung lagi na lang tayong may takot, hindi tayo makakapag conduct ng halalan. Nandyan naman ang law enforcement authorities natin, ang AFP, ang PNP,” Garcia said.

[Translation: Security is always a consideration when conducting elections, but if we are always driven by fear, we won't be able to hold elections. Our law enforcement authorities, the AFP and the PNP, are there to ensure safety.]

He said the Comelec has begun printing the 2.3 million ballots for BARMM, despite pending bills seeking to suspend the parliamentary elections over legal issues.

A total of 177 areas are also under monitoring under the orange category, and 188 areas under the yellow category. Meanwhile, over 1,000 areas fall under the green category, as they show no signs of security concerns.

Officials said that the list may still change, especially once the campaign period begins in February.