FIVE areas in Cebu and Bohol have been recommended by local security councils to be placed under the yellow category due to growing political tension ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.
The local governments include Mandaue City and the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Dalaguete and Argao in Cebu, as well as San Miguel, a town in Bohol.
A yellow category is assigned to areas where threats, intimidation or intense political rivalry are observed, according to Comelec 7 Director Francisco Pobe.
Pobe told reporters on Friday, April 25, that they will review the recommendation from local joint security control councils, which based it on initial assessments from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Pobe clarified that the final decision will be made after a meeting of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) on April 28.
“I received a copy of the recommendation, but I have to confirm it with the RJSCC. We need to make an official report not only for our level but also for the central office in Manila for information and reference,” Pobe said.
He said the recommendation must go through a process that involves validation from the provincial and regional levels.
The RJSCC, chaired by Comelec and composed of the PNP, AFP and other deputized national government agencies, will evaluate whether the conditions in the recommended areas warrant reclassification.
Codes in colors
Aside from the yellow category, the other colors in Comelec’s color-coded classification are green, orange and red.
A green category indicates that an area has a peaceful and manageable election environment, while an area is under the orange category if there is a presence of armed groups or organized movements outside the law.
A critical area where there is a serious threat and a history of grave elected-related incidents is placed under the red category.
“Regardless of the color classification, there will still be heightened security measures. There will be increased police visibility and possible troop deployment to ensure the safety and security of the community,” Pobe said.
Pobe added that the RJSCC will also deliberate on the overall security and deployment plans for Cebu and Bohol. The plans will be subject to further review and discussion during the April 28 meeting.
He further said that once the RJSCC confirms the findings and issues a resolution, the classification becomes official, and corresponding security adjustments will follow.
The yellow category alert allows for closer monitoring and early security interventions in areas flagged for political tension.
The final list of election areas of concern will be based on comprehensive assessments by security forces.
In Mandaue City, the mayoral race is between Jonas Cortes, Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, Gepind Requireme and Joey Cortes.
The mayoral race in Dalaguete is between Ronnie Cesante and Bembie Tambis.
Daanbantayan’s mayoral candidates are lawyer Gilbert Arrabis and retired police general Vic Loot.
The candidates for mayor of Argao are General Gairanod and Allan Sesaldo.
In San Miguel, the mayoral candidates are Faustino Bulaga and Ian Gil Mendez. / CAV