MANILA, Philippines – Thirty-eight localities across the Philippines, including places in Marawi, Cotabato, and Masbate cities, have been classified as “red areas” days before the start of the election period for the 2025 midterms.

Category red indicates a grave peace and order situation, and may prompt the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to place the areas under its control if the need arises.

The list of election hotspots was approved by the Comelec en banc on Thursday, January 9, after a recommendation was made by the poll body’s committee on the gun ban in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The red areas are:

• Isabela (2): Jones, Maconacon
• Masbate (2): Baleno, Masbate City
• Iloilo (1): Calinog
• Western Samar (1): Santa Margarita
• Basilan (2): Al Barka, Hadji Mohammad Ajul
• Lanao del Sur (14): Maguing, Marawi City, Tubaran, Tugaya, Bacolod Kalawi Bacolod Grande, Balindong Watu, Bayang, Binidayan, Buadiposo Buntong, Marantao, Marogong, Pualas, Saguiaran,
• Maguindanao del Norte (2): Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat
• Maguindanao del Sur (13): Paglat, Rajah Buayan, South Upi, Sultan Barongis Lambayong, Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Mangudadatu
• Tawi-tawi (1): Pandag

In addition to the 38 red areas, 177 localities were placed under category orange, and 188 under category yellow.

Yellow areas indicate the presence of one of the following factors:

• Suspected election-related violence
• Intense political rivalries
• Possible deployment of partisan or private armed groups by candidates
• Politically motivated election-related incidents
• History of areas being declared as places of concern under Comelec control

If authorities either declare serious armed threats in the area, or identify two or more factors under category yellow, the area is placed under category orange. If both criteria are met, the area is placed under category red.

According to Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the poll body “may direct the augmentation of AFP and PNP personnel as the need arises, and reshuffle the police force” in red areas.

“The category red classification may warrant the motu proprio declaration of Comelec control,” the resolution read. When an area is under the Comelec’s control, the commission has direct supervision over officials and employees, and full control over law enforcement agencies. 

The full list can be accessed here:

Election period for the midterms begins on January 12, ushering in special security protocols to counter the potential spike in poll-related violence.

These measures include a ban on firearms and the establishment of checkpoints across the country. – Rappler.com