MANILA - Thirteen towns and cities in Negros Occidental have been tagged as possible election hotspots in the May 2010 elections due to the presence of the New People's Army.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix, police provincial director, said the list of probable election hotspots was still subject to continuous validation by the leaderships of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The recommended hotspots were Escalante, Himamaylan, Sagay, Silay, Sipalay, Victorias, Cadiz, Pulupandan, Toboso, Candoni, EB Magalona, Isabela and Moises Padilla that fall under category 2 based on the criteria set by the police.

Felix explained areas under category 2 face serious threats from the local rebel group.

Towns and cities may be placed under category 2 if there is a history of election-related incidents, intense political rivalries, and high probability of the occurrence of election-related violence with participation of armed groups.

Felix said the list of probable election hotspots constitute about 30 percent of the 31 towns and cities of the province.

The PNP and AFP are expected to release the validated and final list of election hotspots in the province, in coordination with the Commission on Elections, before the election period starts on January 10 next year.

Felix said members of the 6th Regional Mobile Group and various units of the Provincial Mobile Group, as well as the Philippine Army. will be tapped as augmentation forces for deployment in areas where their presence are badly needed.

He said he also planning to initiate the signing of peace covenants with candidates on areas with intense political rivalries.