PNP updates list of poll hot spots

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started updating its list of poll hot spots or areas of immediate concern in the May 2010 elections.

PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa said the updated list is with the PNP Directorate for Intelligence (DI) and will be forwarded to the Commission on Elections for proper action.

Verzosa, however, refused to release yet the list of poll hot spots, which is still being verified and assessed by the police intelligence community.

“It is now with the DI for review and we cannot release it yet,” Verzosa told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Verzosa said the areas included in the updated list will be subjected to further monitoring.

Earlier, Verzosa said the PNP has been monitoring the traditional hot spots, which include Masbate, Abra, Nueva Ecija, Samar, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Basilan.

Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman, said election-related violent incidents in 2004 and 2007 are being used as basis in assessing areas of concern.

Espina said the presence of partisan armed groups, insurgents and intense political rivalry are among the factors being considered in making the list of poll hot spots.