AN OFFICIAL of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) said on Thursday, January 3, they will validate from the police national headquarters as to why Cagayan de Oro City was included in the "areas of grave concern" for the 2019 polls.
PRO-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Superintendent Surki Sereñas said Camp Alagar was surprised upon learning that the city was listed as election "hotspot."
"We were just surprised because we all know that elections in Cagayan de Oro City have always been peaceful and orderly. The previous election-related violent incidents involved politicians that are only temporarily residing or visiting the city but are not from here," Sereñas said.
"But knowing the rigid and strict election protocols, it did not come as a surprise," he added.
Serenas said "there were violent incidents in the past involving politicians but it does not necessarily reflect the general peace and order situation of the city."
He said there are parameters before a city or town lands on the "hotspot" list such as presence of intense political rivalry, record of election-related violent incidents in the past and presence of armed groups.
But, he said being included in the list does not necessarily mean the area will be placed under the control of the poll body.
"There will still be developments as the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center (RJSCC) meets in the coming days," Sereñas said.
City Comelec officer Ramil Acol said he has yet to receive an official report from the police or military that the city was included as election "hotspot."
"I have no comment until I receive official report from PNP/AFP. Makakuha ko ana during command conference," Acol said.