LIST: 36 high-risk areas for May elections

Metro Manila, Philippines - The number of cities and municipalities in the red category, the highest risk level for areas of concern in the May 12 midterm elections, has decreased to 36 from 38 earlier this year, according to a new list from the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the list is based on an assessment conducted by the Philippine National Police on poll-related violence nationwide over the last three months.

“Yung mga dating kulay red, bigla nalang nagkaroon ng pagbabago, naging matahimik kaya naging orange yung iba. In fact may bigla na lang naging green dahil naging generally peaceful yung area na yan. But tatandaan natin na meron din namang biglaan na lang naging red,” Garcia told reporters on Wednesday, March 19.

[Translation: The areas that were previously in the red category suddenly turned peaceful, causing some to be reclassified to the orange category. In fact, a few were even moved to the green category due to the overall improvement in peace. However, we must also remember that there were instances where previously peaceful areas were later classified under the red category.]

He compared the latest list with the one released in January. The poll chairman said the list may change once the local campaign begins on March 28.

“Usually kasi base sa ating record, lagi na lang kapag pumapasok yung local campaign, diyan marami ang election-related violence,” Garcia explained.

[Translation: Usually, based on our record, whenever the local campaign starts, that’s when we see a lot of election-related violence.]

He said the threat assessment helps authorities determine the police and security deployment.

The poll body earlier explained that areas under the red category have “serious armed threats” from communist terrorist groups or other threat groups and meet at least one of the following criteria:

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

+ intense partisan political activity,

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

+ the area was previously under Comelec control.

Most of the areas in the red category as of March 19 are part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Here’s the complete list:

REGION 2 (Cagayan Valley)

Maconacon, Isabela

REGION 5 (Bicol)

Baleno, Masbate

NEGROS ISLAND REGION

Guihulngan, Negros Oriental

La Libertad, Negros Oriental

REGION 8 (Eastern Visayas)

Sta. Margarita, Western Samar

REGION 10 (Northern Mindanao)

Nungungan, Lanao del Norte

BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)

Al Barka, Basilan

(Lanao del Sur)

Balindong Watu

Bayang

Binidayan

Buadipuso Buntong

Butig

Lumbaca-Unayan

Maguing

Malabang

Marantao

Marawi City

Marogong

Masiu

Mulondo

Piagapo

Pualas

Saguiaran

Sultan Dumalondong

Tamparan

Tubaran

Tugaya

(Maguindanao del Sur)

Buluan

Datu Paglas

Datu Piang

Datu Salibo

Datu Saudi Ampatuan

Mamasapano

Rajah Buayan

South Upi

Sultan sa Barongis Lambayong