34 poll hotspots, 10 private armies identified in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY, Philippines – At least 34 areas of concern  and 10 private armed groups in Central Visayas are being monitored in preparation for the May elections.

The election hotspots and private armies were identified following an evaluation made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Fourteen of the election hotspots are in the towns of Sogod, Barili, San Fernando, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, Sta. Fe, Ronda, Pinamungajan, Tabogon and Dumanjug and the cities of Bogo, Danao, Carcar and Lapu-Lapu.

The towns of Tagbilaran, Trinidad and Carmen in Bohol; cities of Bayawan, Guihulngan, Canlaon and Tanjay and the towns of Jimalalud, Bacong, La Libertad, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bindoy, Pamplona, Sibulan, Valencia, Siaton, and Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental; and Larena in Siquijor were also listed as areas of concern.

Superintendent Pablo Labra II, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, said four of the  private armed groups are from Cebu, two in Bohol,  three in Negros Oriental and one in Siquijor.

“Some of these groups are inactive but some will be activated during election time,” Labra said.   – Ria Mae Booc, Freeman News Service