Comelec to declare 104 election areas of concern

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to declare 104 election areas of concern in the country, two weeks before the May 9 polls.

These areas, previously reported as 'red category,' are of grave concern due to a history of election-related violence.

Comelec Chairperson Saidamen B. Pangarungan stated that these areas are being closely monitored by the poll body.

Should violence erupt in these red category areas, the Comelec may place them under its control.

Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia mentioned that the situation is constantly monitored, with assessments from field offices, the military, and the PNP.

He also noted that an area's classification can change, from 'red' to 'green,' if political rivals reconcile.

Currently, only two hotspot areas in Lanao del Sur have been declared under Comelec control.