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CEBU CITY — The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has reclassified 15 localities from green to yellow category just days before the May 12 midterm elections, citing political tension and potential disruptions.
Comelec-7 Regional Director Francisco Pobe confirmed that the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) approved the status change during its April 28 meeting based on the security assessments of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The reclassified areas include Cebu City, Mandaue City, and the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Argao, Balamban, San Fernando, Dalaguete, and Dumanjug in Cebu province.
In Bohol, the towns of San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon, and Tagbilaran City are also under the yellow category.
Comelec flagged these areas due to intense political rivalry and the possibility that politicians may mobilize hired armed groups to disrupt the elections.
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Pobe explained that the yellow category includes areas with a history or potential for political unrest, though no election-related incidents have been reported yet in the region.
He clarified that the move aims to boost security, not to raise public alarm.
He emphasized that the classification is meant to ensure the presence of adequate police and military forces in vulnerable areas, which would help safeguard the election process.
"This isn't something to fear," Pobe said, noting that Comelec wants to ensure all areas are properly manned, protected, and secured during the polls.
Pobe added that accusations between candidates, some of which have escalated into legal battles, have heightened tensions that could spill over to their supporters.
Meanwhile, BGen. Redrico Maranan, director of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas, reported that authorities have not yet confirmed the existence of private armed groups in Cebu and Bohol.
However, he noted that intelligence reports warn of possible mobilization, prompting authorities to intensify operations against illegal firearms and organized criminal groups.
Maranan also said local police commanders have been ordered to monitor the situation closely to prevent any escalation to orange or red category levels.
He confirmed that additional security forces will be deployed to the affected areas as a precaution.
Authorities are still investigating whether the recent shooting of a barangay coordinator in Badian town is connected to the elections.
