Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday identified a total of 108 areas of concern for the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

According to Philippines News Agency, data from the poll body as of July 29 revealed that there were 26 areas categorized as red, which includes 21 in Lanao del Sur; two in Maguindanao del Sur; and one each in Basilan, Maguindanao del Norte, and Special Geographic Areas (SRAs). The red category signifies areas with serious armed threats and a history of election-related incidents.

In the yellow category, Comelec has pinpointed 41 areas. This includes 14 in Lanao del Sur, 10 in Maguindanao del Sur, eight in Maguindanao del Norte, five in Basilan, and four in the SRAs. Yellow areas are marked by a history of election-related incidents.

A total of 18 areas fall under the green category, with 11 in Tawi-Tawi, four in Basilan, two in Maguindanao del Norte, and one in Maguindanao del Sur. Green areas are identified as having no election-related security concerns.

Moreover, 23 areas have been classified under the orange category, with 11 in Maguindanao del Sur, five in Lanao del Sur, three in SRAs, and two each in Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte. Orange areas are characterized by serious armed threats.

Interestingly, Tawi-Tawi has no areas categorized under yellow, orange, or red, suggesting a stable election environment there.

Meanwhile, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia expressed optimism about the potential reduction of red-category areas, attributing this to the vigilance of local officials. "I think the number of areas in the red category will decrease. Incumbent governors and mayors won't allow the peace and order in their localities to be disrupted, as that would reflect poorly on them," Garcia mentioned in a Viber message.