MANILA, Philippines — Less than two months before the May 13 polls, the number of areas identified as “election hotspots” increased to 941 as of March 20, Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. This figure was around 200 areas more from PNP’s previous report of 701 election hotspots nationwide. Of the areas placed under red category, 66 are in Luzon, 50 are in Visayas, and 454 are in Mindanao, according to PNP Spokesperson Sr. Supt. The total number of identified election hotspots to date represents almost 58 percent of the 1,634 cities and municipalities across the country. “Based on historical data of previous elections, election related incidents resulting from intense political rivalry are expected to escalate during this period,” he also said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 25, 2019 07:18 UTC