The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has flagged four areas in Luzon under the red category for the 2025 elections.
The towns of Jones and Maconacon in Isabela and Baleno and Masbate City in Masbate are among the 38 areas nationwide identified under the red category.
These areas face the most severe threats, such as possible violence or interference from armed groups.
In total, 177 areas are under the orange category, signifying high risks from armed groups.
Nearly 50 of these are in the Bicol Region, while the remaining areas are spread across BARMM, Caraga, and other regions.
A total of 188 areas fall under the yellow category, linked to past election-related incidents or intense political rivalries.
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said the classifications may change as the elections approach.
"Hindi po por que nakita n'yo 'yung area ninyo na naka-red ay dapat na kayong matakot... sa ating karanasan, merong green biglang nagye-yellow... meron green, nagja-jump sa red... minsan kapag malapit na ang halalan, red nagiging green," he said.
ILOCOS REGION
In the Ilocos Region, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has identified 19 areas under the yellow category for potential election-related incidents.
The yellow category includes areas with a history of election-related violence or private armed group presence.
In Pangasinan, the towns of Aguilar, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Sual, San Quintin, Urdaneta City, and Dagupan City are on the list.
Seven areas in Ilocos Norte, three in La Union, and one in Ilocos Sur have also been flagged.
“’Yung mga ganyan na bagay dapat addressed sa Comelec, PNP at AFP nang sa ganun ay mapag-aralan kung papaano ang deployment ng pwersa... maiwasan ‘yung mga election-related violence sa darating na halalan,” Assistant Regional Director Atty. Reddy Balarbar said.
COMELEC uses four categories to classify areas:
- Green: No security threats
- Yellow: History of election-related incidents or private armed groups
- Orange: Serious armed threats
- Red: Grave concern with serious threats
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Pangasinan assured the public that they are closely monitoring these areas.
“By history, ‘yan talaga ang binabantayan namin para if ever wala nang maulit na ganyan,” PCOL. Rollyfer Capoquian, Pangasinan PPO Director, said.
