THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has raised the number of areas under the Yellow Category in Central Visayas from five to 15 just days before the May 12, 2025 elections.
According to Comelec-Central Visayas Regional Director Francisco Pobe, classified as election areas of concern include the entire Cebu City and the following areas in Cebu province: Daanbantayan, Argao, Balamban, Mandaue City, San Fernando, Dalaguete, and Dumanjug. In Bohol, the towns listed are San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, Tubigon, and Tagbilaran City.
Pobe explained that the classification was based on the latest security assessment by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a recent Regional Joint Security Control Center meeting. These areas were flagged due to heightened political tensions.
He clarified that placing areas under the Yellow Category is not cause for alarm but rather a proactive step to ensure peace and order through increased police and military presence.
The Comelec is concerned that the intense political atmosphere might be exploited by armed groups allegedly hired by politicians to intimidate voters.
“This isn’t alarming -- it’s a precaution to enhance security, maintain a level political playing field, and ensure peaceful elections,” Pobe said in a mix of Filipino and Englis.
He also noted that accusations between candidates, some of which have already led to court cases, are contributing to rising political tension that could escalate among their supporters.
Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, head of the Central Visayas police, confirmed that no active private armed groups have been detected in Cebu or Bohol so far. However, intelligence reports suggest the possibility of such groups being mobilized, prompting intensified crackdowns on illegal firearms and criminal gangs.
He added that additional police personnel may be deployed to these Yellow Category areas to prevent any unrest. He has instructed local police commanders to closely monitor these locations to avoid escalation to Orange or Red Category levels.
Authorities are still determining whether the recent shooting of a barangay coordinator in Badian is election-related. (AYB/SunStar Philippines)