27 election ‘hot spots’ watched in Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas has identified at least 27 election “hot spots” in the region as the campaign for local positions start.
Among the areas on the list, Santa Margarita town in Samar was the only one placed under the “red” category due to its history of intense political rivalry and the presence of armed groups.
Under the “orange” category are the towns of Catubig, Gamay, Lapinig, Las Navas, Pambujan, Mapanas, Palapag and Silvino Lubos in Northern Samar; and the towns of Leyte, Calubian, San Isidro, Tabango and Baybay City in Leyte.
The towns of Lope de Vega and Rosario in Northern Samar; Basey, Pinabacdao, Paranas, Gandara and Matuguinao, and Calbayog City in Samar; and Palompon, Villaba, Hilongos, Albuera and Tabon-Tabon in Leyte have been placed under “yellow” category.
“Yellow” refers to areas with a history of election-related incidents in the last elections and possible employment of private/partisan armed groups while “orange” refers to areas of immediate concern with a serious armed threat, such as the presence of communist rebels.
Avoiding violence
The Comelec, however, expressed optimism that the upcoming midterm elections in the region would be peaceful and orderly with the support of law enforcement agencies and candidates.
A total of 2,390 candidates are vying for different elective positions in Eastern Visayas, with voters choosing six governors and six vice governors; 12 congressional representatives; 56 provincial board members; 143 city and municipal mayors; 143 city and municipal vice mayors; and 1,152 city and municipal councilors.
Comelec Eastern Visayas legal officer Ma. Krishna Athena Elardo called on candidates to refrain from actions that could incite election-related violence.
She said they were expecting that peace covenants and unity walks—participated in by candidates, election officials and police and military officials before the local campaign started—would contribute to ensuring a smooth electoral process in the region.
