Central Luzon poll hotspots now 16

MANILA, Philippines — Two more election areas of concern have been identified in Central Luzon, bringing the number of poll hotspots in the region to 16, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This developed after a municipality each in Bulacan and Pampanga were classified under the yellow category.

Elmo Duque, assistant chief of the Comelec-Central Luzon, said the towns of Sto. Tomas in Pampanga and San Rafael in Bulacan were placed under the yellow category or areas with a history of poll-related incidents.

Meanwhile, the Comelec- Central Luzon said that San Antonio in Nueva Ecija was downgraded from orange, or areas with presence of armed groups, to yellow category.

Other municipalities in Central Luzon declared as election areas of concern are Baler and Maria Aurora in Aurora province; Mariveles in Bataan; Aliaga, Cabanatuan, Cabiao, Gapan, Jaen, Lupao and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija, and Arayat and San Fernando City in Pampanga.

The additional poll hotspots were confirmed by Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Central Luzon police director, during the activation of the Regional Election Monitoring and Action Center (REMAC) and Media Action Center at Camp Olivas in Pampanga on Wednesday.

The REMAC is equipped with advanced information technology and communications equipment that are connected to all major internet providers.

A 911 simulation exercise was conducted at the REMAC to assess the emergency response for election-related incidents in the region.