Fewer hotspots seen in b’gay, SK elections

Fewer areas nationwide are likely to be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections in the coming October barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, the Comelec said over the weekend.

“This is due to the suspension of elections in Mindanao,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

The poll body suspended the holding of barangay and SK elections in Mindanao because of martial law.

In Luzon and the Visayas, Jimenez said the Comelec sees a similar number of areas to be placed under Comelec control.

Data from the Philippine National Police showed over 6,000 areas were considered hotspots during the 2014 barangay polls. Half of the figure is in Mindanao.

Areas with past and present records of intense rivalry among contending parties, presence of private armed groups, loose firearms, and threats posed by communist, bandit and rogue groups may be placed under Comelec control.

The poll body, on its own or upon written request from other parties, may declare an area under its control.

Once declared under Comelec control, the poll body will directly supervise all local officials and employees tasked to perform election-related duties as well as all law enforcement agencies and military personnel deployed in the area.

Unless lifted earlier, the Comelec control remains in effect in areas where it was declared until the end of the election period on Oct. 30.