24 Calabarzon towns tagged as hotspots in 2013 elections

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines – Police authorities have identified 24 towns across the Calabarzon region as hotspots in next year’s midterm polls.

Chief Superintendent James Melad, Calabarzon police director, said these areas of concern include three towns each in Cavite and Laguna, eight towns in Batangas, four towns in Rizal, and six towns in Quezon.

Melad told The STAR these towns are classified into two: those which had election-related violence in 2007 and 2010, and those where private armies and other threat groups like the New People’s Army (NPA) exist such as the towns of San Narciso, Catanauan and Panukulan, all in Quezon province, and Tanay in Rizal.

Melad cited the NPA raids in San Narciso and Panukulan towns in 2009 and the burning of a school building in Catanauan in 2009.

In Batangas, the towns of Taysan, Bauan, Balete, San Pascual, Calatagan and Tuy as well as Batangas City and Lipa City are in the election watch list, he said.

Melad clarified though that this does not mean that other towns will be ignored.

Meanwhile, Melad said policemen serving as bodyguards and escorts of politicians will be recalled.

He said politicians who want to keep their security detail would have to submit an application to the Philippine National Police, and if approved, they can only have a maximum of two bodyguards.

Melad has designated Senior Superintendent Edwin Erni, deputy regional police director for operations, as head of Task Force SAFE (Secure and Fair Elections), which will go after private armies in Calabarzon.

Melad said he has ordered the region’s five provincial directors and local police chiefs to intensify their operations such as “Oplan Sita” and “Oplan Bakal” and increase police visibility as part of preparations for the 2013 elections.