Election ‘hot spots’ in S. Mindanao reviewed

DAVAO CITY — Authorities here are still determining which areas in Southern Mindanao will be declared ‘hot spots’ in the May 10 elections.

"Right now, we are still in the process of reviewing the peace and order as well as the local political situation in different areas in the region," Southern Mindanao police regional head Chief Superintendent Isidro Lapeña told The STAR.

Lapeña said that places classified as election ‘hot spots’ will now be called ‘areas of concern.’

The northern part of the region, particularly Compostela Valley and certain parts of Davao del Norte were previously considered election hot spots because of the presence of communist insurgents in the area.

Earlier, the New People’s Army (NPA) warned political candidates that they should pay corresponding fees to be allowed to campaign in areas controlled by communist rebels.

The gold-rush site in Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley has also been a perennial area of concern due to the long-standing conflict among its major players.

However, Lapeña said that there may be areas that are considered hot spots in the previous elections but are now peaceful and no longer difficult to handle.

Lapeña said a command conference shall be held on Friday to finally determine which places in the region shall be considered ‘areas of concern’.