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