MANILA: A total of 38 areas have been identified as election hotspots by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with a significant focus on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as authorities prepare for the 2025 midterm elections. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced these developments during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and security measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, 27 of the identified hotspots are located in BARMM, highlighting the region’s potential for election-related issues. Additionally, the police are also monitoring Albuera, Leyte, as part of their security preparations. A special meeting is scheduled for November 15 to discuss strategies to ensure a safe and fair electoral process in these areas. The BARMM is set to hold its first parliamentary election concurrently with the national midterm elections on May 12, 2025.
Security measures for Undas 2024 and the upcoming holiday season were also addre
ssed in a sectoral meeting led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, as reported by Remulla. The DILG chief has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to increase surveillance in public spaces, with particular attention to malls and public transportation systems such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT). Efforts include deploying marshals on trains and enhancing police visibility in public areas.
In a separate issue, Remulla provided an update on the reported abduction of American vlogger Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga Del Norte. He assured the public that authorities are actively pursuing the perpetrators. Although there is no ransom demand yet, Remulla suggested that the situation might be linked to local community disputes. Nonetheless, the incident is being treated as a kidnapping, with police efforts ongoing to resolve the case.