The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not identify any ‘potential election areas of concern,’ according to Chairperson George Erwin Garcia.
In a statement to Bombo Radyo, Garcia addressed inquiries about releasing such designations following the Philippine National Police (PNP) submission of lists regarding election-affected areas.
Garcia acknowledged the PNP’s guidance but clarified that ‘areas of concern’ are relevant only during the election period, particularly the campaign phase.
The PNP previously indicated that it was up to Comelec to determine if the submitted lists warranted the designation of areas of concern.
However, Garcia expressed that declaring ‘potential election areas of concern’ would only create unnecessary tension.
He also noted that the filing of certificates for candidacy for the 2025 national and local elections is proceeding smoothly, as of October 6.
Garcia emphasized the importance of trusting citizens to manage their own communities effectively.
He recalled the tragic Maguindanao massacre in November 2009, where 58 victims were killed while submitting candidacies.
Garcia stated that the situation in Maguindanao appears to have normalized, and assured that no areas of concern have been declared for the candidacy filing that began on October 1, 2024.