Election Hotspots in the Philippines Identified

The DILG Secretary recently announced the country's election hotspots for the 2013 Senatorial Elections. The provinces declared as high risk areas were based on various factors such as the number election related violence, family feuds, private armies, and rebel groups. The existence of gangs and crime groups were also considered.

15 Hotspot Provinces 

Abra
Pangasinan
La Union
Ilocos Sur
Cagayan
Cavite
Pampanga
Nueva Ecija
Batangas
Masbate
Samar
Misamis Occidental
Maguindano
Lanao del Sur
Basilan

The Secretary also added that other areas in the country will still be monitored during the election. Total gun ban will be strictly implemented, private armies will be closely monitored, creation of joint task force between PNP and Philippine Army, establishing of media centers, reshuffle of bodyguards, and audit of provincial jails are just some of the plans of the government in ensuring a peaceful election in 2013.

There are cities and municipalities that will be under strict monitoring because they were also classified as election hotspots in the Philippines.