ILOILO City – This city and 89 other cities and municipalities in Western Visayas are currently deemed peaceful and free from security concerns ahead of the May 12 midterm elections. However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned that this status could change as the campaign period for local positions begins and election day approaches.
The Comelec Central Office released its list on Thursday, March 19, placing these areas under the “green category”, signifying that they are relatively peaceful and orderly. But as political rivalries intensify, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that no threats arise that could disrupt the elections.
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of Comelec-Iloilo City, explained that the city’s classification was based on the peaceful situation observed at the start of the election period on January 12, and the campaign period for national positions beginning February 11.
“We assess the situation at the onset of the election and campaign periods, particularly in relation to election-related incidents. So far, there have been none, and everything has remained peaceful, which is why the city has retained its green status,” Sayno told Panay News.
However, he acknowledged that this status could change as the elections draw closer, particularly when the campaign period for local positions begins on March 28.
“It’s too early to tell since the local campaign period has not yet started. That’s when actual political clashes may emerge,” he added.
To continuously monitor the security situation, Comelec conducts monthly meetings with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies to reassess the conditions in each local government unit (LGU).
During the last election, particularly the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, Iloilo City recorded no election-related incidents. This, coupled with the fact that both the congressional and mayoral races in the city have minimal opposition, gives Comelec hope that the city will maintain its green classification throughout the election period.
89 Other LGUs Also Under Green Category
Apart from Iloilo City, 89 other local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been placed under the “green” category as of March 19. These include:
* Aklan (17) – Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan.
* Antique (17) – Anini-y, Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Caluya, Culasi, Hamtic, Lau-an, Libertad, Pandan, Patnongon, San Jose de Buenavista, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom, Tibiao, and Valderrama.
* Capiz (14) – Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Maayon, Mambusao, Panay, Panit-an, Pilar, Pontevedra, Roxas City, and Sigma.
* Iloilo (35) – Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Estancia, Guimbal, Igbaras, Lambunao, Leganes, Leon, Miag-ao, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, Passi City, Pavia, Pototan, San Enrique, San Miguel, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Sara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
* Guimaras (5) – Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag.
Meanwhile, five municipalities have been classified under the yellow category, indicating moderate risk due to past election-related incidents, intense partisan rivalry, or the possible use of private armed groups. These are:
* Antique (1) – Tobias Fornier
* Capiz (1) – President Roxas
* Iloilo (3) – Ajuy, Lemery, and San Dionisio
Additionally, six municipalities have been placed under the orange category, signifying high risk due to a combination of yellow category factors and potential armed threats. These are:
* Capiz (1) – Tapaz
* Iloilo (5) – Alimodian, Badiangan, Janiuay, Maasin, and San Joaquin
Understanding the Categories
According to Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the classification of election areas of concern follows this system:
* Green Category – No security concerns; the area is relatively peaceful and orderly.
* Yellow Category – Moderate risk due to previous election-related incidents (ERI) in the last two elections, intense partisan rivalry, possible employment of Private Armed Groups (PAGs), or past placement under Comelec control.
* Orange Category – High risk, involving multiple yellow category factors and a serious armed threat from communist terrorist groups (CTGs) or other threat groups. This may prompt Comelec to deploy additional military or police forces and reshuffle local law enforcement.
* Red Category – Critical concern, combining yellow and orange category factors with serious armed threats. Areas under this category may be placed under Comelec control, with direct intervention from security forces.
Comelec continues to monitor the situation and may adjust the classifications as the election period progresses./PN
