Comelec: Fewer areas placed under red category

MANILA, Philippines — Only a few areas have been classified under the red category or those with a history of election-related violence and the presence of serious armed threats, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec data showed that as of March 11, the number of areas classified under the red category has decreased to 36 from 38 previously.

However, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the number may increase when the campaign period for local elections starts.

“We will make another assessment after the start of the campaign period for local elections,” Garcia said.

He said that at the moment, no area has been seen to be placed under the control of the Comelec.

Among areas classified under the red category are Nunugan in Lanao del Norte; Lumbaca-Unayan, Malabang, Masiu, Mulondo and Tamparan in Lanao del Sur; Guihulngan and Libertad in Negros Oriental; Piagapo in Lanao del Sur, and Datu Offer Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur.

The Comelec said 10 areas previously classified under the red category were downgraded to orange and two to yellow.

From red, the town of Calinog in Iloilo is now under the green category.

Up to 156 areas are classified under the orange category, 194 under yellow and 1,256 under green.

Areas classified under the orange category are those that have serious armed threats. Yellow areas are those that have a history of election-related violence.

The green category refers to areas that have no election-related security concern.

Most of the areas classified under the red category are located in the Bangsamoro region.