DAVAO CITY , Philippines – Police have placed three districts here under the election watchlist due to the presence of communist rebels in these areas.
Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, city police chief, said though they would exert all efforts to ensure smooth and peaceful elections in the districts of Paquibato, Marilog and Baguio.
De la Rosa said clashes between government forces and New People’s Army guerrillas have taken place in these areas, and the insurgents’ presence could affect voting in the May polls.
The local Joint Security Coordinating Committee has asked for increased presence of government troops in barangays in the three districts to ensure law and order in the elections.
The city though has never been known to be a political hotspot, as no poll-related killings have taken place in past elections.