3 weeks ago
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EIGHT more towns in Batangas have been added to the Comelec's list of election areas of concern as tensions between political rivals escalate, the provincial police confirmed over the weekend.
Bauan, San Pascual, Mabini, Lobo, San Nicolas, Talisay, Ibaan, and Nasugbu are the latest municipalities to come under heightened election monitoring, bringing the total to 11 towns and one city flagged for potential unrest in the province.
"The rising tension between political rivals in these areas has prompted us to elevate security measures," said Batangas police provincial director Maj. Eduardo Timbol II. "We are closely coordinating with Comelec to ensure peaceful and orderly polls."
The initial list of areas of concern included San Jose, Mataasnakahoy, Taal and Tanauan City.
While the Comelec has not yet raised any area in Batangas to the "red category" — the highest threat classification — Timbol said the situation is being closely watched and may warrant a higher alert level if rivalries intensify further.
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On Saturday, the final day of the campaign period, local tensions nearly boiled over in Bauan when motorcades of rival mayoral and congressional candidates unexpectedly crossed paths. Police quickly formed a human barricade to prevent the encounter from escalating into violence.
To reinforce security across the province, 2,048 police officers have been deployed to man precincts and Comelec checkpoints. An additional 748 officers from the Calabarzon Regional Police Office have also been sent in to augment local forces.
Authorities said they remain on high alert and are appealing to candidates and their supporters to uphold peace and respect the democratic process.
