THE town of Binalbagan will remain under the area of immediate concern (Category 2) following the recent ambush that injured two police personnel.

Roberto Salazar, acting provincial supervisor of the Commission on Election (Comelec), said Tuesday, February 15, that the status of the town will remain the same due to the presence of the New People's Army (NPA).

Salazar clarified that security matters are handled by the military and the enforcement duty of the police.

This is in reply to the question about the list of six more areas in the province he earlier named as election areas of concern.

"The local officials are sensitive when their areas are tagged under Areas of Concern because the people are also reacting," he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also refused to name the additional six areas.

Named as area of concern or Category 1 earlier was the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto.

Under areas of immediate concern or Category 2 aside from Binalbagan were the towns of Manapla, Toboso and Hinoba-an along with the cities of Silay, Victorias, Himamaylan and Kabankalan.

Areas of grave concern or Category 3 are the towns of Candoni and Moises Padilla, and Escalante City.

Salazar said the lists were recommended by the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The same have been submitted to the Regional Joint Security Control Center chaired by the Comelec regional director, he said.

Areas under Category 1 have presence of the NPA and with intense political rivalry while those under Category 2 have both the presence of NPA and other armed groups aside from having intense political rivalry.

Those areas under Category 3 are having the combinations of all elements in the first two categories.