Election-related violence respects no borders – Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday defended its decision to place the entire Mindanao under Category Red election hot spot ahead of May’s midterm elections.

“While it cannot be [denied] that there are areas within Mindanao that are relatively peaceful, the inescapable reality is that election-related violent incidents respect no municipal borders … ” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

“Placing the entire Mindanao under [Category Red] was the result of consultation with local Comelec officials, as well as the [military and police],” he added.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate earlier questioned the Comelec decision, saying it could be part of an orchestrated effort “to defeat progressive candidates and the opposition.” —TINA G. SANTOS