KABANKALAN City, Negros Occidental could possibly be placed as an election hotspot following the recent clashes between the government forces and the rebels.

This was revealed by Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Murcia, said the recent clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) could be used as a basis to place the entire city as an election hotspot.

However, he stressed the public should not be alarmed since the army is in control of the situation.

Arevalo also assured the voters of their security at the polling precincts during election day.

He said they will further strengthen their monitoring on the possibility that the NPA rebels may retaliate.

Last week, government forces from the 15th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels exchanged gunfire at Sitio Pacama in Barangay Magballo.

The clash was the second encounter in a week. The first one happened in Barangay Hilamonan between the NPA and the Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion.