CEBU CITY — The Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec 7) revealed that some areas in the region may be placed under election watchlist (EWAS).
Lawyer Ferdinand Gujilde, regional election attorney and spokesperson of Comelec 7, said placing areas under EWAS will be based on its current and past political situation.
Gujilde did not reveal the areas that may be considered election hotspots as they are still being evaluated by Comelec and other law enforcement agencies.
“There are some areas that were placed under election watchlist but they’re still subject to continuing evaluation,” said Gujilde.
“We don't have clear numbers yet but my estimate, I think very few here in province of Cebu, maybe in Negros (Oriental), and also in Bohol. But still subject to evaluation,” added Gujilde.
Through the Regional Joint Security Control, the Comelec-7 will work with the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Visayas Command to discuss the election hotspots and security preparations for the May elections.
As the campaign period for candidates vying for national elective positions, the Comelec 7 reminded candidates to secure necessary permits for in-person campaign.
Gujilde said applications for permit must be submitted to the Regional Comelec Campaign Center.
The issuance of permit involves various government agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), AFP and Philippine National Police, Gujilde said.
Gujilde added that there will be Comelec Campaign Centers in every town and city in the region.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Comelec 6 reminded that house-to-house campaign is prohibited, hand-shaking and taking 'selfie shots' with candidates are prohibited.
“They cannot get inside the dwelling even if the owner tells them to come in. No handshakes, no crowding, no hugging, and no kissing at all,” said Gujilde.