The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) announced on Thursday, 1 May, that 15 local government units (LGUs) have been reclassified from the green category to the yellow category.

This was confirmed by Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe, who also chairs the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC).

Seven of the reclassified LGUs are from Cebu: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Balamban, Daanbantayan, Argao, San Fernando, Dalaguete, and Dumanjug.

The remaining eight are in Bohol: Tagbilaran City, San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, and Tubigon.

Pobe told the media that the status change was approved during the RJSCC meeting held on 28 April. The decision was based on the validation and recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local police, which were affirmed by the regional directors.

Areas under the yellow category are identified based on two main factors: intense political rivalry between opposing parties and the possible presence of hired personnel or private armed groups that could disrupt the peace.