DAVAO CITY , Philippines – Police are considering at least 19 areas in southern Mindanao, including two districts in Davao City known to be rebel-infested, as election watchlist areas (EWAs).
Listed under Category 1, comprising areas with known intense political rivalries, are the towns of Magsaysay, Sulop and Malita in Davao del Sur.
Under Category 2, or areas where terror groups are present, are the towns of Bansalan, Hagonoy and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur; New Corella and Talaingod in Davao del Norte; Montevista, Laak, Compostela, New Bataan, Maragusan, Monkayo and Pantukan in Compostela Valley; and Boston and Baganga in Davao Oriental.
The adjoining Davao City districts of Paquibato and Marilog are also placed under Category 2 because of the strong presence of New People’s Army rebels in these areas.
Meanwhile, there have been no reports yet in the region of any violations of the Commission on Elections-mandated total gun ban that started last Sunday.
Regional police officials said no one has been arrested so far for violating the gun ban.
Police have put up over 3,500 checkpoints under the PNP-Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Security Control Centers supervised by local Comelec offices.