PNP tags possible Southern Mindanao poll hotspots

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine National Police has identified areas in Southern Mindanao which might be placed under close watch for election-related violence in next year’s polls.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario said yesterday the areas were classified as categories I and II.

Category I includes areas that have high probability of politically motivated violent incidents. It also includes areas that have records of election-related violence in the last two polls, but without the participation of local terrorist groups.

Areas under category II were classified according to the seriousness of armed threats and with previous reports of the presence of terror groups.

Rosario said the regional police office has listed the areas, but were still validating and monitoring them.

Included under category I are Digos City and the municipalities of Malita and Malalag, all in Davao del Sur, while under category II are the districts of Paquibato and Marilog, both in Davao City; Bansalan, Padada, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, all in Digos City, and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur.

The towns of New Corella, Kapalong, San Isidro and Talaingod, all in Davao del Norte, and Lupon, Banaybanay and Mati City in Davao Oriental were classified under category II.

 In Compostela Valley, the towns of Maco, Mabini, Pantukan were classified under category II while authorities were still monitoring other places like Laak, Monkayo and Montevista to determine their categories.

Rosario said the classification of areas would be the basis for troop deployment before, during and after the elections.