THE entire fourth legislative district of the province of Cebu was declared as an election “hot spot” after the regional police force revised its watchlist of areas where violence are likely to erupt in this year’s election period.

Cebu’s fourth district is composed of the city of Bogo and the towns of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Sta. Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan.

Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. said Cebu’s 4th district would only be placed under Comelec control if there is actual violence.

Brillantes said the situation should be grave enough to warrant the commission’s control.

”Kung marami na hong namamatay dyan, nag-bombahan na, nag-iitsahan na ng granada, nagsusuguran na, maraming loose firearms, nagbabarilan na dyan. Wala nang peace and order. That is the time we place it under Comelec control. Is that the situation?” Brillantes said in an interview in Atty. Frank Malilong’s TV 5 program “Frankahay Ta.”

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Mayor Junie Martinez said they only suggested that the entire district be placed under Comelec control with conditions after Salimbangon suggested that Bogo be placed under the commission’s control.

”Salimbangon wants only Bogo declared, so I said, ‘Why not the entire district?” Junie said.

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Comelec Provincial Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano told Cebu Daily News last Friday that placing an area under Comelec control is considered a last resort.

“It is the Comelec en banc who will make the decision and the creation of the special task force who will oversee the Comelec controlled area,” he said. 

Read more: Cebu Daily News