THE Police Regional Office 4A headed by Regional Director Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra has identified 30 areas in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region as election areas of concern.
Twenty-three areas fell under the yellow category, which include 5 cities and 18 municipalities.
Among the cities under the yellow category, 3 are located in Cavite, 1 in Laguna and 1 in Batangas while in the 18 municipalities – 3 in Cavite, 1 in Laguna, 11 in Batangas, 1 in Rizal and 2 in Quezon province.
Seven municipalities were placed under the orange category, which include 2 in Cavite, 1 in Rizal, and 4 in Quezon.
The election “hot spot” list has three categories, which include yellow, orange, and red.
Election “hot spots” are classified according to the presence of intense political rivalry, presence of armed group and if threat of insurgency is eminent.
Presence of one factor in the city or municipality falls under yellow category, presence of two falls under orange category or immediate concern and presence of all three factors falls under red category or grave concern that may warrant the motu proprio declaration of Comelec control.
History of election-related incidents in the last two elections are one of the considerations taken in identifying election “hot spots,” aside from the result of current continuous information gathering being undertaken.
“Though at the moment, we haven’t yet identified areas under the red category, we are continuously working with our AFP counterparts and the Comelec 4A to determine whether there is no extreme threat in the entire region as the May election is fast approaching,” Yarra said.
Yarra also ensured the public that the police force of the PRO 4A shall do its best to have a safe, secured and honest elections.
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