Comelec flags 403 election areas of concern

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified at least 403 areas of concern for the upcoming May 12, 2025, midterm elections, categorized by risk levels such as red, orange, and yellow.

At least 38 cities and municipalities are under the red category, indicating the most severe security risks.

Areas classified as red may result in the Comelec declaring control, allowing direct supervision over local employees and law enforcement to prevent violence or interference.

Within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 32 cities and municipalities are classified as high-risk areas.

These BARMM areas, historically facing challenges from political rivalries and armed conflicts, were previously identified by Comelec-BARMM as 103 towns of concern.

The initial classification by Comelec-BARMM included 32 towns in the red category, 49 in yellow, and 22 in orange, with a potential for change based on ongoing assessments.