Manila, April 24 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at the possibility of raising the security alert level in Rizal, Cagayan following the killing of Mayor Joel Ruma.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they are currently assessing whether to put Rizal under "red" category or under Comelec control.

"At this point, we are considering placing it under Comelec control or even just under red category," Garcia said in an interview on Thursday.

"We are considering if this may just be a start of a more widespread violence in the area," he added, referring to the killing of Ruma, who was shot dead during a campaign sortie on Wednesday night.

Garcia said their decision will depend on the report that will be submitted to the...