The Philippine National Police (PNP) has considered 18 cities and municipalities as election hotspots as the 2019 midterm elections draw near.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said these areas, including those in the Ilocos Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, are being closely monitored by the police.
“We have 18 cities and municipalities in our list but not necessarily to be under Comelec (Commission on Elections) control,” he told reporters.
According to Albayalde, they have yet to determine if the PNP will recommend to place these areas under the control of the Comelec.
Earlier, Albayalde said the investigation on the assassination of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe in Daraga, Albay considers politics as a motive for the crime.
Batocabe was running for mayor in the said municipality.
The DILG, meanwhile, has also vowed to work with the Comelec in securing the election hotspots. /ee
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