The Commission on Elections in Oriental Negros has identified at least nine barangays under the watch list of the Philippine National Police because of incidents in the last 2004 local elections.

A report from the Central Visayas police disclosed that two more barangays in in the province were affected and threatened by the New People's Army in the last polls.

Provincial election supervisor Manuel Advincula said the watchlist is on the basis of what happened in the previous electoral process.

He, however, said he is almost certain the situation is much better compared to other areas in Region 7. Aside from assuming a degree of political maturity, candidates and voters alike are more civilized and mild-tempered, he said.

Reports say that 10 barangays in Cebu and another 10 in Bohol were also in the watchlist during the 2004 elections while four barangays each in the two provinces were threatened by NPA rebels. At a meeting in Cebu, COMELEC commissioner Resurrecion Borra was irked when a former congressman suggested that non-government organizations be assigned in the so-called "hotspot" areas.

He said the suggestion is not only illogical, improper, and improvident but also an insult to the police and the armed forces. Areas being monitored on the basis of their background in the elections are Canlaon City, Vallehermoso, Guihulngan, Bais, Tanjay, Bacong and Zamboanguita.

Meanwhile, the COMELEC reported that not a single candidate has filed a certificate of candidacy for the May 14 elections yet.*JG

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