44 Western Visayas poll hotspots identified

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Forty-four towns and cities in Western Visayas have been classified as election areas of concern.

Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, regional police spokesman, said poll areas of concern are color-coded as provided under a resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Under the red category or areas of grave concern are Calinog town in Iloilo as well as Candoni, Moises Padilla, Escalante City and Calatrava in Negros Occidental.

Among those under category orange or areas of immediate concern are Bingawan, Lambunao, Maasin, Janiuay, Alimodian, San Joaquin, Tubungan, Miag-ao, Igbaras, Leon, Lemery, San Dionisio and Sara in Iloilo province.

Maayon, Dumalag and Tapaz in Capiz; Manapla, Silay City, Victorias City, Toboso, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Hinoba-an, Sipalay City, Isabela, La Castellana, Ilog and Cauayan in Negros Occidental; Libacao in Aklan, and Hamtic, Sibalom, San Remigio, Culasi and Sebaste in Antique are also areas of immediate concern.

Don Salvador Benedicto and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental; Laua-an in Antique, and Pilar in Capiz are under the yellow category or areas of concern.

Areas placed under the yellow category are those with history of election-related incidents in the last two elections, intense political rivalry and previously declared under Comelec control.

Those under orange category have a combination of two or more factors under category yellow aside from serious armed threat posed by rebel groups.

Areas under red category are areas where there are records of violent incidents, intense political rivalry and armed threats posed by local terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, up to 1,674 people have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The PNP said 1,302 firearms, 533 bladed weapons, 65 explosives and 7,237 bullets were seized in 1,553 law enforcement operations.

Metro Manila topped the regions with the most number of those arrested with 600 followed by Calabarzon, 184; Central Visayas, 181; Central Luzon, 170, and Western Visayas, 86.

The gun ban will be in effect until the end of the election period on June 8. – Emmanuel Tupas