Comelec identifies 403 election hotspots, 38 red zones for 2025 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified 403 election areas in the Philippines as hotspots ahead of the 2025 national and local elections, including 38 'red' zones in Marawi, Cotabato, Masbate cities, and other regions.

Among these areas, 32 are located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while others are spread across various regions such as Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Central Luzon.

The Municipality of Calinog in Iloilo is the lone Local Government Unit (LGU) placed under Red category in Western Visayas, according to data released by Comelec on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the need for cooperation among political figures to prevent difficulties for residents and stressed that security measures will be heightened with additional military presence in these areas.

The list of election 'areas of concern' is subject to change leading up to May 12, 2025, when national elections are scheduled.