Negros Island: Elections in Negros Island’s insurgency-affected areas will proceed as scheduled on May 12 despite recent clashes between government forces and rebels, an official said Monday. Comelec-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano assured that measures are in place to prevent disruptions by the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army and police have intensified their operations to safeguard the electoral process. Castillano emphasized that the recent encounters in Kabankalan and Guihulngan cities were conducted proactively to ensure that peace and order remain intact during the elections.

In Guihulngan City, displaced residents have been able to return to their homes, and voting centers have been secured against potential threats. The recent clashes resulted in the death of one suspected rebel in Guihulngan, while seven individuals were killed in a separate encounter in Kabankalan City.

Authorities have also made arrests in Cadiz City, detaining individuals suspected of extortion. To further bolster security, Castillano has mandated hourly police checkpoints and increased anti-criminality patrols in high-risk areas.

A significant shift in security strategy has been implemented with two soldiers now stationed inside voting centers in high-risk areas, deviating from the previous practice of deploying them outside. This measure aims to assure voters of their safety as the electoral process unfolds.