CEBU CITY – Thirty-three areas in Central Visayas have been declared areas of concern in the upcoming elections.

POLICE Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, signs a solidarity pact signifying the commitment of various law enforcement agencies in Region 7 to ensure a peaceful election in May. (Contributed photo)
These places were considered areas of concern by the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) and the Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec-7) based on incidents in the previous elections.
PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the number may still go down as they will review the list as the elections approaches.
One area was placed under the red category due to the presence of the New People’s Army and private armed groups.
Various law enforcement agencies in the region signed a solidarity pact at the start of the campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
The ceremonial signing at the PRO-7 headquarters here showed their commitment to ensure a peaceful election.
“We look at it as a signal that everybody should be heard and manifest everyone's social and moral obligation in actively participating in the activity as a shared responsibility of making this aspiration come true," said Comelec-7 chief Francisco Pobe.
Maranan assured that all PRO-7 personnel will be apolitical to help ensure a peaceful election.
"I would like to assure the people of Region 7 that under my leadership, the police in Region 7 will be apolitical and unbiased,” said Maranan.