36 election hot spots nationwide identified

Authorities have identified 36 election hot spots nationwide, but military and police officials gave assurances that the May 14 synchronized national and local polls would be peaceful and orderly.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson Harriet Demetriou, emerging from a closed-door conference at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, said Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes and Philippine National Police chief Director General Panfilo Lacson assured her that the situation was well under control.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim also attended the conference.

"Barring any unforeseen incidents, the military and police leadership has assured me (that there will be) no hitches in the forthcoming elections," Demetriou said in a news briefing.

"There will not only be honest and peaceful elections, but the results will be credible as well," she added.

The 36 election hot spots were identified due to the presence of armed groups in these areas. The hot spots included those in Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Zamboanga del Sur and Norte, and North and South Cotabato.

Reyes said troops will be fielded in critical areas upon the request and approval of the Comelec, which has the sole authority to deputize government agencies. The election period started last Jan. 2.

"There are groups out to exploit the elections, specifically the New People’s Army which asks for campaign fees from candidates," he added. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe