Calinog in Iloilo among election ‘areas of concern,’ under Red category

The Municipality of Calinog in the Province of Iloilo is the lone Local Government Unit (LGU) in the entire Western Visayas placed under Red category of election "areas of concern," so far.

This is based on data released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Red means threats from any rebel or armed group in an area.

The categories are in four colors: green, yellow, orange, and red.

Green means the absence of any security concern.

Yellow means reports on suspected election-related incidents in the previous two elections; the place has been placed under Comelec control, with reported presence of rebel groups, and with cases of intense political rivalry.

Orange category takes on similar parameters with Yellow category with additional parameter, specifically threats from rebel group(s).

Red category takes on similar parameters with Yellow category with additional parameter, specifically threats from rebel and armed group(s).

Comelec, however, clarified that the list is subject to change leading to the election day on May 12, 2025.

“Sa mga kababayan natin, hindi po porke nakita ninyong mga lugar na naka red eh dapat na kayo matakot, lilipat na kayo sa ibang lugar, hindi po ganun. Ibig sabihin lang mas makakakita kayo ng dagdag na puwersa ng AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] at PNP [Philippine National Police],” said Comelec Chairman, Atty. George Erwin Garcia.

According to Comelec Western Visayas, it is possible that the incident during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in 2023 was used as basis for Calinog’s inclusion into the Red category of election areas of concern.

Comelec 6 clarified that the region does not have areas of concern yet based on the assessment of the Regional Joint Security Control Center.

“Normally, it is only around mid-April that we come up with this list of areas of concern, final, that is in relation with the finalization rin ng aming security plans,” Atty. Dennis Ausan, Comelec 6 director, pointed out.

In a statement, the Philippine Army said that Calinog may well be removed from the Red category in the absence of threats from any rebel or armed group.

Comelec 6 disclosed that it is keeping an eye on areas in the region with incidents of political rivalry.

“May mga areas tayong tinitingnan how things would develop especially at the start of the election period and eventually at the start of the campaign period on March 28, [2025],” Atty. Ausan added.

The election period and gun ban will start officially on Sunday, January 12, 2025. — GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Desk