25 areas in Davao Region identified as election hotspots

From InterAksyon (Dec 10): 25 areas in Davao Region identified as election hotspots



The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office has identified at least 25 areas in Davao Region as election hotspots and the number could increase with the ongoing validation in preparation for the May 2016 polls.

This was revealed by PNP 11 spokesperson Andrea dela Cerna during Wednesday's AFP-PNP Press Corps forum at Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Dela Cera said the areas are categorized according to previous election-related incidents of politically motivated incidents and the presence of armed threats or past and present armed incidents.

Among the areas placed under category 1 or areas with high possibility of politically motivated election incidents are Malita, Malalag, and Digos City in Davao del Sur.

Under category 2 or areas with serious armed threats or previously reported with armed incidents are Paquibato and Marilog in Davao City; Bansalan, Sta. Cruz, Padada, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, and Digos City in Davao del Sur; New Corella, Kapalong, Talaingod, San Isidro in Davao del Norte; Mati City, Lupon, Banaybanay, and three barangays outside of the Mati city proper in Davao Oriental; Monkayo, Laak, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan in Compostela Valley.

Dela Cerna noted that Digos City fall under two categories because intense political rivalry in the 2013 elections and the armed threats from local groups. She added that there are still specific barangays threatened by armed groups.

She added that the list of election hotspots is a work in progress with continued monitoring by police units.

Private armies

Dela Cerna also hinted that private armies are a threat.

“We are gathering intelligence,” she said but refused to name them in order not to jeopardize or compromise monitoring operations of the army and police leading to the private armies’ disbandment.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Milgrace Driz said police are also studying the possibility of including the towns of Toril and Calinan in the watchlist following two incidents involving a local armed group that burned heavy equipment and killed a barangay official.

While election would not be as intense compared to other areas since majority of the local candidates have no opposing contenders, Driz said police will need forces to secure election gatherings like political rallies.

Driz said her office will still validate all other information at the joint coordinating conference in January or shortly before the election campaign period begins.

“We are all set to provide security forces to those who will need security,” she assured, adding that police will also closely monitor rallies as some groups will sabotage peaceful gatherings.

NPA threat

On the other hand, 10th Infantry Battalion spokesperson Rhyan Batchar said the military has always considered the New People’s Army (NPA) as the primary threat in Davao region including in Region 12.

According to Batchar, at least five sub-regional committees of the NPA operate in the area of the 10th infantry division and most of these subcommittees are in the areas placed under category 2.

The election hotspot areas will be the focus of the security operations for possible outbreak of politics-related violence.

Earlier, PNP chief Ricardo Marquez said that part of the security preparation is an implementation of a nationwide campaign against firearms either through direct operation or other means to ensure the non-proliferation of firearms especially during the election period.

Marquez plans to implement a gun ban from January 10 to June 8, 2016 as discussed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/121279/25-areas-in-davao-region-identified-as-election-hotspots