The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday, (April 7) tagged 105 municipalities and 15 cities as election areas of concern under the highest red category.
PNP said the listed areas had possible presence of armed groups and had histories of political rivalries.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), however, said they are still validating the listed areas before announcing it to the public.
“We respect the findings of the PNP, and we believe there is [a] basis with their findings. It is just we have to cross check with our people on the ground regarding the situation. Also to decide what the appropriate response of the commission will be,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said.
PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said that they already put up Regional Special Operation Task Groups to all the identified areas of concern to assure the public’s safety.
Candidates using ‘armed groups’
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, meanwhile, warned electoral candidates who are allegedly using “private armed groups.”
This, after a stand-off between authorities and armed men, allegedly hired by reelectionist Pilar, Abra Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono transpired after the suspects evaded a checkpoint. Twelve bodyguards of Dosino surrendered days after the standoff.
The DILG is eyeing to file a disqualification complaint against Disono for allegedly violating the Omnibus Election Code.
“Unang-una mayroong armed bodyguards na hindi authorized ng Comelec. Pangalawa, ‘yung checkpoint hindi tumigil at dumeretso sa bahay nung vice mayor,” Año added.
“After the investigation, we will submit the report and our recommendation to our Secretary, and the charges criminal and administrative, ‘yun po ang ibibigay na report sa aming kalihim,” Carlos said.
The DILG also warned the public against vote buying.
The Comelec, DILG, and PNP will join forces to assure the public’s safety against COVID-19 and to give Filipinos a peaceful election in May.–Report from: Patrick de Jesus/KC-gb
