FILE PHOTO: Voters passing outside of the polling precinct in Pilot Elementary School, Buluan, Maguindanao, 13 May 2013. (Photoville International)
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The number of provinces which are considered election hotspots or areas of concern by the Philippine National Police have decreased.
According to PNP Chief Director Gen. Ricardo Marquez, there are 6 to 7 provinces which where identified by the directorate for intelligence as areas of immediate concern.
This is lower compared with the 15 provinces recorded as election hotspots in 2013.
However, the general has refused to name these provinces while they are still in the process of conducting the assessment related to the strong political rivalry in the areas.
General Marquez said, “The director for intelligence has the list already divided in 3 categories, and I think there are 7 priority provinces and in 2013 we had 15 priority provinces.”
A province is commonly identified as a hotspot if there is a searing political rivalry or strong competition which may lead to violence, if there is the presence of private armed groups or PAGs, including rebel groups.
Meanwhile, General Marquez says, the COMELEC will enforce gun ban on January 10 as part of preparations for the implementation of security in the upcoming national elections.
It will last until June 8, one month after the said elections.
“Control of instrument of violence so, we like to make sure that instrument of violence are kept from people who would like to so fear or mar the electoral process,” Marquez added.
The general further added that during election the PNP is focused on its campaign against PAGs, gun for hire and illegal possession of firearms however, he said that these campaign should be enforced daily in order to prevent violence not only during election. (LEA YLAGAN / UNTV News)
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