BACOLOD City – Of the 31 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, Calatrava has the most election areas of concern (EACs).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 6 identified nine barangays in Calatrava as EACs for the upcoming Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, said provincial elections supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria.
Other LGUs with identified areas of concern are Kabankalan City, Sipalay City, Isabela, and Cauayan with five EACs each; Escalante City and Toboso (four each); Moises Padilla (three); Candoni, Don Salvador Benedicto, Binalbagan, and Himamaylan City (two each); and La Castellana, Ilog, and San Enrique (one each).
In total, there are 51 election areas of concern in the province. Three fall under the “red” category or areas of grave concern, 45 are categorized as “orange” or areas of immediate concern, and three are in the “yellow” category, which needs a correct representation for its level of concern.
Ananoria explained that the classification of these areas was based on historical violence rather than political factors, so there’s no need for them to be placed under the direct control of the Comelec.
The Comelec-6 and Philippine National Police have identified a total of 172 barangays in Western Visayas as election areas of concern.
Comelec-6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan, however, said this number might change.
“So far, these were the areas identified as election areas of concern based on the assessment, but there may be changes in the numbers,” he said.
Ausan also mentioned that the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council is well-prepared to handle potential situations, including possible armed encounters, leading up to Oct. 30.
Security plans have been developed and are subject to continuous evaluation and adjustment.
He further urged all stakeholders, especially candidates, to adhere to rules and regulations to ensure an honest, orderly, and peaceful election.
The campaign period for the Oct. 30 barangay and SK elections is from Oct. 19 to 28. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
