35 Calabarzon towns, cities on poll watchlist

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — At least 35 towns and cities in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) have been identified as election watchlist areas in connection with the May polls.

Superintendent Chitadel Gaoiran, Calabarzon police spokesperson, said 17 areas in Batangas are on the list, 12 in Quezon, six in Cavite, four in Rizal and three in Laguna.

Senior Superintendent Eleazar Matta, Laguna police director, said Calauan, Los Baños, San Pablo are on the poll watchlist.

Senior Superintendent Osmundo de Guzman, Quezon police director, said the towns of Mulanay and Lucban are under Category 1 or areas where politically motivated violent incidents are likely to occur due to intense political rivalries.

Lopez, General Luna, San Francisco, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Pagbilao, Catanauan and Mulanay are under Category 2 or where there are serious armed threats posed by organized groups.

Category 3 are areas where there are both violent incidents and armed groups.