90 Negros Occ brgys tagged "election hotspots"

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — At least 90 hinterland barangays in Negros Occidental have been identified by the Philippine Army as "hotspots" in relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls on Oct. 28.

Colonel Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, said they consider these barangays hotspot areas because of the presence of the New People's Army.

Majority of these 90 villages are located in the 1st district, 5th district and 6th district, Aying said, adding that 20 of them are highly-affected by NPA rebels.

Aying said there is now also a possibility that the rebels will support candidates in what they consider as controlled areas. "We will secure and focus on these areas," he said.

The military will concentrate on the hotspot areas and areas with difficult terrains, while the easily accessible barangays will be handled by the police. Joint police and military teams will also be fielded in every precinct during election day, Aying added. — (FREEMAN)