BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is reviewing a request from Ajuy’s Mayor Jett Rojas to declare the municipality an election hotspot for the 2025 elections.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan confirmed that the request has been received, but it must undergo further evaluation by the relevant committee before a decision is made.
Razalan clarified that the designation of an election hotspot is not solely determined by local government officials but follows specific guidelines set by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for identifying “election areas of concern”.
He acknowledged that tensions have been rising in Ajuy, particularly due to political rivalry.
Despite the increasing tensions, Razalan assured the public that there are no significant threats linked to the upcoming elections at this time. He urged all candidates and their supporters to focus on maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
In a related matter, the municipality of Calinog has also been flagged as a potential hotspot after a shooting incident at Cahigon Elementary School during the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
The clash reportedly involved supporters of rival candidates.
“During the last barangay and SK Elections, we recorded a shooting incident there, which may lead to its inclusion as a hotspot area,” Razalan said.
He also noted that areas with a history of rebel activity have largely been neutralized, and ongoing coordination with the Philippine Army aims to further strengthen security in vulnerable locations./PN
