Election areas of concern in CV: Mandaue City, 3 Cebu towns on ‘watchlist’

CEBU, Philippines — At least five areas in Central Visayas, including four in Cebu, have been recommended for classification under the yellow category as election areas of concern due to heightened political tension ahead of the 2025 national and local elections.

The areas include Mandaue City and the towns of Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, and Argao in Cebu, as well as San Miguel in Bohol.

Commission on Elections (Comelec-7) regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe told reporters that the recommendation came from the Local Joint Security Control Center (LJSCC) in each of the concerned areas.

The LJSCC is composed of local representatives from the Comelec, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who are tasked with assessing local peace and order conditions ahead of the election period.

Pobe clarified that the recommendation was based on the assessments and evaluations of the AFP and PNP, but confirmation from the Comelec is still required.

He added that the recommendation will undergo validation during the upcoming Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting on April 28.

“Ipaabot pa na ang recommendation sa RJSCC because it has to be confirmed,” said Pobe.

With the proposal already approved at the provincial level of the Joint Security Control Center, it will now be elevated to the regional level for final confirmation. The RJSCC consists of representatives from the regional offices of the Comelec, PNP, AFP, along with support from deputized national government agencies.

Once the status of the areas is confirmed, Pobe said the Comelec will prepare an official report not only for the regional level but also for submission to the central office for further reference.

According to Pobe, the yellow category is assigned to areas with a history of threats, intimidation, or intense political rivalry.

If the areas in Cebu and Bohol are confirmed to fall under this category, Pobe said security efforts will be focused there, including increased troop deployment to enhance police visibility and ensure community safety.

However, he emphasized that security measures will be implemented regardless of an area’s classification.

“For me, because this is election, regardless of the color of it we still have to include the green category for the purposes of deployment of troops to maintain the peace and order condition of the area,” said Pobe.

He assured that the final decision, subject to approval by the RJSCC’s three core agencies, will involve in-depth discussions on the security and deployment setup.

 “This is subject to critiquing and further discussion so that we will be effectively and determine the efficacy of the deployment concept,” Pobe said.

Once the AFP and PNP assessments are confirmed, the necessary adjustments to security deployment will be implemented.

The Comelec, in coordination with the AFP and PNP, uses a color-coded classification system to identify areas based on the level of election-related threats:

•         Green Category: Generally peaceful areas with no significant security concerns. Standard security protocols apply.

•         Yellow Category: Areas with a history of election-related violence or political rivalry. These are closely monitored, with heightened alert and increased police presence.

•         Orange Category: Areas facing serious threats from armed groups. These warrant significant security operations.

•         Red Category: Critical areas with high likelihood or presence of violence. These may be placed under Comelec control with full security mobilization.

Pobe also told The Freeman that while five areas have already been identified, assessments in other parts of Cebu and Bohol are still ongoing, as political dynamics may shift at any time.

Despite potential changes in the classification system, Pobe assured candidates and the public that Comelec will work to ensure a level playing field and safeguard all stakeholders.

Overall, Comelec Central Visayas is expecting a safe and orderly election in the region on May 12, 2025. (CEBU NEWS)
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