Negros Occidental now has 18 election areas of concern, acting Elections Supervisor Roberto Salazar said Friday, February 11.
He, however, did not identify the six additional areas identified as areas of immediate concern because of the presence of New People’s Army rebels.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the situation is contained, the situation in Negros is not alarming, Salazar said.
The police and AFP assessment of potential areas of concern is ongoing, Salazar said.
Salazar on Monday, February 7, said that Don Salvador Benedicto town is an area of concern, while Manapla, Silay City, Victorias City, Toboso, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City and Hinoba-an are areas of immediate concern.
Areas of grave concern are Candoni, Moises Padilla and Escalante City, he added.
Salazar said an area of concern is when there is intense political rivalry or election related violence occurred in previous elections, and an area of immediate concern is where there is a presence of Communist terrorists or armed groups.
Areas of grave concern are a combination of the factors identified in areas concern and immediate areas of concern, he said.*