Dumaguete: The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is hopeful for a reclassification of one town and one city in Negros Oriental currently listed under the 'red' category of election areas of concern for the upcoming May 12 elections. Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, the newly appointed director of PRO-NIR, expressed this intent during a media interview, highlighting that Negros Oriental is the only area in the entire NIR with 'red' zones, specifically Guihulngan City and La Libertad town.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Wanky stated that there have been no recent reports of election-related violent incidents in these areas. This absence of violence contributes to the possibility of downgrading their status from 'red', which is one of the main objectives of the police force. Besides these two 'red' areas, Basay town is categorized as 'orange' due to serious armed threats, while 22 other areas are marked 'yellow' for having a history of poll-related unrest. Negros Oriental comprises a total of 25 towns and cities.

The categorization of election areas of concern will be a recommendation from the police and military to the Regional Joint Security Control Center, which is headed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Brig. Gen. Wanky expressed confidence that placing certain areas under Comelec control during the elections is unlikely, as the peace and order situation in the province is stable. He noted that avoiding Comelec control is desirable to prevent projecting a negative image of the province.

Brig. Gen. Wanky's visit to Negros Oriental on Monday marked his first official engagement following his appointment on March 27. During his visit, he met with Gov. Manuel 'Chaco' Sagarbarria, engaged with Comelec regional and provincial officials, addressed the troops, and conducted a closed-door command conference with officials of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO).