Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has flagged 403 areas nationwide as election hotspots for the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
38 areas are under the red category, signaling the most serious concerns due to historical election-related violence and active armed threats. Another 177 areas are listed under the orange category, reflecting significant security risks, while 188 are in the yellow category, indicating a history of election-related incidents but with less immediate danger.
In contrast, 1,239 areas fall under the green category, signifying no immediate security concerns. However, the Comelec has cautioned that even these areas remain under observation, as the situation can change as election day approaches.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) accounts for the majority of areas under the red category, with 32 municipalities identified. Other regions with red-tagged areas include Cagayan Valley and Bicol, each with two.
Orange areas, which highlight regions with significant armed threats, are widespread, with the Bicol Region topping the list at 48, followed by BARMM at 22. Other regions include Caraga, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas, among others.