Comelec identifies 29 ‘critical areas’

Twenty-nine provinces nationwide may be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in time for the May 14 elections.

In a report to the poll body, the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the following provinces as "critical areas:" Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga, Mindoro Oriental, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Northern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato and North Cotabato.

Comelec Commissioner Ralph Lantion told reporters yesterday the Commission en banc will finalize this week the list of areas to be placed under the poll body’s control and supervision.

"These are traditional hot spots because of intense political rivalry (and) also threats and insurgency," he said.

Lantion said the Comelec en banc will refer to the list of 29 provinces classified as "critical areas" and consult with the Armed Forces and PNP before making any decision.

"The recommendation as to the areas to be placed under Comelec control will also be in consultation with the PNP and AFP," he said.

On the other hand, Commissioner Mehol Sadain said that once an area is placed under the poll body’s control and supervision, it will also take direct supervision over police and military troops there.

Election officers, provincial election supervisors and regional elections directors will validate the recommendation of the Armed Forces and PNP, he added.

Meanwhile, Lantion said 35 people, including eight mayoralty candidates have already died in election-related violence.

Lantion said the number is low as compared to those in previous elections, when the average was double that.

"And the AFP and PNP said the number of casualties is way below the incidents," he said.