CAMP SIMEON OLA, LEGAZPI CITY – At a regional level evaluation conference attended by COMELEC and the Philippines National Police (PNP) officers, 27 towns and one city in Bicol are declared as election hot spots because of perceived intense political rivalry and/or reported presence of New People’s Army rebels, also taking into account violent incidents recorded in previous elections.
In a press statement released by Bicol PNP regional office spokesperson, Police Supt. Renato Bataller, 14 towns in Masbate province, 6 towns in Camarines Sur, including Iriga City, 2 towns in Camarines Norte, and 1 town in Albay are identified as election hot spots. No town in the province of Catanduanes is considered an election hot spot.
Bataller identified the Masbate towns with potential for election-related violence as Balud, Cataingan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Milagros, San Fernando, San Pascual, Aroroy, Baleno, Palanas, Uson and Mobo.
Bataller added that the Regional Special Operation Task Force (RSOTG) in Masbate is closely monitoring the presence of private armed groups in the towns of Balud, Dimasalang, Milagros and Placer.
It was earlier reported, that two private armed groups under the the Arizobal and the Villaruel groups are believed to be employed by local politicians in these localities.
As part of the efforts to ensure peaceful elections, newly installed Bicol PNP Regional director Police Chief Supt. Clarence Guinto has ordered the fielding of 188 checkpoints manned by 1,000 police personnel in various provinces of the region. (SONNY SALES)