BACOLOD CITY - Thirteen cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental are being considered "areas of concern" in the May 9 national and local elections, according to data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Provincial Election Supervisor Roberto Salazar said on Monday these local government units were identified by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. "They already gave their recommendation to the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center," he said in an interview. Included are Don Salvador Benedicto, which is listed as an "area of concern"; Manapla, Silay City, Victorias City, Toboso, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Hinobaan as "areas of immediate concern"; and Candoni, Moises Padilla, and Escalante City as "areas of grave concern". Salazar said considering the Comelec has not yet issued a resolution related to the categorization of watchlist areas, there might s
BACOLOD CITY - Thirteen cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental are being considered "areas of concern" in the May 9 national and local elections, according to data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Provincial Election Supervisor Roberto Salazar said on Monday these local government units were identified by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. "They already gave their recommendation to the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center," he said in an interview. Included are Don Salvador Benedicto, which is listed as an "area of concern"; Manapla, Silay City, Victorias City, Toboso, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Hinobaan as "areas of immediate concern"; and Candoni, Moises Padilla, and Escalante City as "areas of grave concern". Salazar said considering the Comelec has not yet issued a resolution related to the categorization of watchlist areas, there might s
BACOLOD CITY - Two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have again been identified as possible "areas of concern" during the May 9 national and local elections. Outgoing Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria, set to be transferred to Iloilo province this week, on Tuesday identified the areas as Moises Padilla town and Escalante City, both with histories of election-related incidents in the previous local polls. Ananoria said the two LGUs could be added to the list although the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has yet to establish the parameters on how to declare certain areas as "hotspots". "Still being considered, but not officially declared. It's still being validated. One of the parameters is past election incidents. They have incidents. Obviously, they will be considered," he said in a virtual press conference. Ananoria said this was discussed during the meeting of the Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center