The formal validation results of the potential election watchlist areas (EWAS) in Negros Occidental will be presented to the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council next month, Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said Wednesday, June 21.
The Philippine National Police and Army are reviewing the peace and order situation in the province in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October.
Ananorioa said he met with the PNP and Army officials at the Negros Occidental Provincial Police headquarters on Tuesday, and among the matters they discussed were the EWAS and the insurgency situation in the province, with recent armed classes having occurred in Central Negros.
They are still determining if some insurgency affected barangays in Himamaylan City will be included in the watchlist, he said.
He said the situation in 17 towns and cities in Negros Occidental that were on the election watchlist in 2022 is being assessed to determine if they should remain on the list for the upcoming polls.
The PNP last week said it is also monitoring three potential private armed groups in Negros Occidental.
The COMELEC voters list is being finalized following the completion of the purging of double registrants or flying voters, Ananoria added.*