ILOILO — Authorities have designated eight municipalities in Iloilo province as “election areas of concern” ahead of the 12 May midterm elections, leading to increased security measures.

Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan disclosed that while all 42 towns and one component city will be monitored, these eight municipalities require special attention due to heightened risks.

“We have special deployments in areas affected by the presence of armed groups and those with intense political rivalry,” Razalan said.

In response, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) will be deployed to these areas during the election period.

Meantime, Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Iloilo Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson said that the specific identities of the eight local government units will remain confidential until the official list is released by the Comelec central office, headed by chairperson George Garcia.

Layson explained that the classification of these areas was based on assessments conducted during Provincial Joint Security Command Center meetings.

Of the eight towns, three were identified due to intense political rivalries, while five were flagged for threats from armed groups and insurgency activities.

The list has been reviewed and endorsed by the Comelec, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Regional Joint Security Control Center and forwarded to the national level for final validation.

Authorities have assured the public that proactive measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful and orderly election in the province.