Comelec monitoring seven provinces

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is closely monitoring political activities in seven provinces where violence could erupt and mar the electoral process.

James Arthur Jimenez, Comelec spokesman, identified these areas as Abra and Nueva Ecija in Luzon; Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao, Basilan and Lanao del Sur, all in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Jimenez said these "areas of concern" have either tight political rivalry or groups that might sow violence to mar the conduct of peaceful elections.

In a separate interview, Comelec Commissioner Florentino Tuason explained that areas of concern are not evidently chaotic but has the potential of being such, while those considered as "immediate areas of concern" have an anticipated eruption of violence that might warrant the deployment of military troops.

Abra Gov. Vicente Valera and Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas Joson have filed separate petitions before the Comelec for the poll body to put their provinces under Comelec control.

The poll body is yet to act on their petitions.

The Comelec and the Philippine National Police (PNP) would jointly conduct a peace and order situation to determine what areas should be placed under the poll body’s control.