NO DAVAO Region areas were included in the list of election hotspots or areas of concern, just days before the start of the 2025 midterm elections.
The list, approved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc on January 9, follows recommendations from the poll body’s committee on the gun ban, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Across the country, 38 localities were designated as “red areas,” including 32 places in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), Cotabato, and Masbate cities.
The Red Code classification indicates the highest level of security risk, meaning these areas are considered the most dangerous during the election period. Increased security measures, including the deployment of police and military personnel and stricter enforcement of the gun ban, will be enforced.
Additionally, 177 areas were classified as orange, signifying moderate risk, while 188 areas were categorized as yellow, indicating a potential risk of violence.
Following their designation as hotspots, these areas will undergo heightened security measures and increased cooperation between local authorities, law enforcement, and the military to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for voters, candidates, and election officials.
In an exclusive interview with SunStar Davao, Comelec-Davao acting regional director lawyer Gay Enumerables stated that security agencies, particularly the AFP and PNP, are monitoring areas based on risk levels.
“So far, wala may gubot ang Davao Region that is why as of this time, wala tay areas of concern (So far, the Davao Region remains peaceful, and we have no areas of concern at this time),” she confirmed. DEF
