PNP submits Eleksyon 2022 watchlist areas to Comelec

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already submitted its “election watchlist of areas” to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the security of the 2022 polls.

In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said only the Comelec is authorized to release the list.

“Nai-submit na po namin sa Comelec itong mga areas na ito including the numbers (We already submitted the watchlist of areas to the Comelec including the numbers),” she said.

She clarified that the previously called “elections hotspots” are now dubbed as "election watchlist of areas," as stated in the resolution of the Comelec.

The PNP classified the areas in the country into four color-coded categories: green, yellow, orange, and red.

Areas under green categories are considered generally peaceful for the conduct of elections, according to Fajardo.

Yellow areas means there are reported suspected election-related incidents in the past two polls, possible presence of armed groups, and intense political rivalries. Yellow areas are considered “areas of concern”.

Orange areas have a recorded presence of armed groups such as the New People's Army and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that may interrupt the polls. These are considered “areas of immediate concern”.

Meanwhile, areas under the red category meet the parameters for yellow and orange areas. They will be placed under Comelec control, Fajardo said. Security forces will focus on monitoring these areas.—AOL, GMA News