15 areas in Cebu, Bohol tagged as watchlist zones

CEBU, Philippines — Eleven days before the 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has tagged 15 areas in Cebu and Bohol under the yellow category due to potential election-related concerns.

Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe confirmed this after the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting held on April 28, which was attended by Comelec-7, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The areas in Cebu classified under the yellow category include Daanbantayan, Argao, Cebu City, Mandaue City, San Fernando, Dalaguete, Balamban, and Dumanjug.

In Bohol, the areas are San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon, and Tagbilaran City.

Pobe noted that the RJSCC meeting served to validate and finalize the election watchlist of areas in Central Visayas based on recommendations from Local Joint Security Control Centers (LJSCC) in the concerned municipalities and cities.

The list will now be submitted to the Comelec central office for reference.

Based on previous reports from The Freeman, areas under the yellow category are those with histories of election-related threats, intense political rivalries, and incidents of intimidation during past elections.

Pobe emphasized that there are only two primary factors for an area being tagged under the yellow category: prevailing political rivalries and the potential arrival or activity of influential political figures or groups from varying parties.

“Kung yellow, meaning tutok. Concentrated na among law enforcement diha,” said Pobe.

He added that the aim is to eventually downgrade these areas back to green status, or areas considered generally peaceful.

When asked how many security personnel will be added to the areas, Pobe said the presence of troops will depend on the size and specific security situation in each area.

“I-evaluate na sa Army ug sa PNP kung need ba og more troops to be deployed neutralizing the area,” Pobe explained.

The PNP has also been instructed to increase visibility and conduct foot patrols in yellow-category areas to maintain peace and order ahead of the election.

The Comelec-7 regional director also stressed that they do not want to cause fear among the public.

“Sa publiko, dili nato angay ikahadlok or ika-alarma kay ang purpose namo is just simply having to make sure nga ang lugar is properly manned, protected or secured,” he added.

Aside from green and yellow, the Comelec’s color-coded system also includes orange for areas threatened by armed groups, and red for critical areas with a high likelihood of violence, possibly requiring full Comelec control.

ACM distribution

Meanwhile, the initial distribution of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) to municipalities in Cebu started yesterday, according to Comelec-7.

A six-day schedule has been prepared to deliver the ACMs to different municipalities, prioritizing far-flung areas.

Pobe shared that the dispatch started at 5 a.m. to meet the delivery timetable.

Each delivery of ACMs is accompanied by security escorts to ensure their safe arrival and safekeeping.

On day one, ACMs were delivered to the municipalities of Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo, Balamban, Asturias, Oslob, Santander, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Dumanjug, Barili, and San Fernando.

Once the ACMs arrive, they will be secured and stored by the respective election officers in designated areas within the local government units (LGUs).

As of this writing, the only item pending arrival in Comelec-7’s inventory is the printed ballots, Pobe disclosed.

He reassured the general public that all preparations are on track and that the electoral body remains committed to ensuring peaceful and orderly 2025 elections.

“So far, nasulod ra kita sa timeline,” Pobe said. — /ATO (FREEMAN)