ALTHOUGH the towns of Tuburan and San Fernando have been tagged as critical areas for the coming election season by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-Centcom), the matter is still subject for confirmation.
In an interview Wednesday, February 13, Acting Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Jerome Brillantes said they will still have to reassess the matter with the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Council.
"Granting if it is true, then mag-augment tayo ng AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel in that particular place in order to maintain peace and order," he said.
The poll body leads the PJSCC along with the AFP and PNP.
The declaration of areas of concern would be based on the parameters set by the AFP and PNP since the Comelec relies on the assessment of the two government security forces.
The two municipalities in Cebu and seven other towns in Negros Oriental reportedly have politicians who are backed by rebels and armed groups.
These towns were placed under the red category because of their history of election-related violence and the presence of armed and rebel groups.
Last January 10, San Fernando Municipal Councilor Rene Boy Dacalos died after he was shot several times.
Six days after Dacalos's murder, Barangay Magsico chief Johnny Arriesgado was ambushed in Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando.
Last January 22, San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya survived an ambush in Barangay Linao, Talisay City.
The ambush, though, killed Reluya's husband, Ricardo Jr., the town’s Association of Barangay Councils president.