BRIGADIER General Benedict Arevalo said they are hoping for fewer election watchlist areas (Ewas) in Negros Occidental for the May 13 elections.

"We cannot reveal it yet as of this time," Arevalo said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional director is the one that will announce the Ewas.

Arevalo said that initially, five municipalities were being considered as areas of concern.

At present, the Army, police and the Comelec are still monitoring the situation in the five towns and as the elections near, the concerned government agencies are able to see if the situation is getting better or worse.

"So far, we are hoping the listed areas will be reduced," Arevalo said.

He also refused to identify the concerned areas, adding he will leave the announcement to the Comelec.

Earlier, the towns of Moises Padilla, Toboso, EB Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Isabela were being considered to be removed from the election watchlist areas due to a noted drop in election-related violence.

The removal of the said areas in the elections watchlist was also attributed to the increased presence of soldiers and police officers.