ILOILO City – With the May 12 national and local elections fast approaching, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has identified several municipalities in Panay and Guimaras islands as areas of concern, though none have been placed under the highest-risk “red” category.
PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky said the National Intelligence and Coordinating Committee (NIACC) and the Philippine Integrated Command Center (PICC) have classified areas into green, yellow, and orange categories based on factors such as political rivalry, history of election-related violence, and threats from communist-terrorist groups.
Of the municipalities in Panay and Guimaras, 90 are classified as “green” or generally peaceful.
Under the “yellow” category, or areas with intense political rivalry or previous election-related incidents, are Tobias Fornier in Antique; President Roxas in Capiz; and Ajuy, Lemery, and San Dionisio in Iloilo.
The “orange” category, indicating areas with both political tension and insurgency threats, includes Tapaz in Capiz; and Badiangan, Janiuay, Alimodian, Maasin, and San Joaquin in Iloilo
Wanky said no area has reached the “red” classification, which indicates a high risk due to both political violence and significant New People’s Army (NPA) presence.
Despite recent shootings in Iloilo province, PRO-6 attributed the decline in gun violence to intensified search warrant operations.
“There are fewer shooting incidents now compared to the past, and we have conducted more search warrant operations to address cases of violence in Region 6,” Wanky said.
Crackdown on Illegal Firearms
Wanky also reiterated the police’s strict enforcement of the election gun Ban. He warned those still in possession of unlicensed firearms to surrender them voluntarily to avoid facing criminal charges.
“I’m calling the attention of those with unlicensed firearms. Surrender them now. Do not wait until a search warrant is issued against you,” he warned.
He further noted that the justification of bearing arms due to NPA threats no longer holds, as the rebel group’s influence has waned, with most of its leaders either arrested or neutralized.
Authorities continue to monitor election-related threats while stepping up security efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process across Western Visayas./PN