Negros Occidental Acting Provincial Elections Supervisor Roberto Salazar reminded local candidates on Monday, March 21, to keep the campaign period peaceful.
The official campaign period of candidates for House of Representatives seats, and provincial, city, municipal posts will kick off Friday March 25 and will last until May 7.
There are 18 local government units in Negros Occidental under the Comelec watchlist.
Salazar said it is possible that the number could increase when the local campaign period starts.
Under the red category are Calatrava, Moises Padilla, Candoni and Escalante City due to possible serious armed threat and previous violent election related incidents.
There are 13 areas under the orange category – Silay, Victorias, Himamaylan, Kabankalan and Sipalay cities and the towns of Binalbagan, Manapla, Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Isabela, La Castellana and Toboso because of possible serious New People’s Army armed threats.
Don Salvador Benedicto is under the yellow category because of the possible presence of private armed groups.
Salazar also said campaign materials of national candidates on light posts along Lacson Street in Bacolod City and other public places are illegal and will be removed.*