DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 8 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed Guihulngan City and Basay town under heightened election hotspot categories in Negros Oriental, citing previous incidents of violence and intense political rivalries.

Guihulngan City is classified under red category, the most critical level, due to past election-related violence, including the killing of a candidate.

Basay town falls under the orange category, having experienced political tensions and a shooting incident during the 2022 elections.

Of the 25 cities and municipalities in the province, the remaining 23 are under the yellow category or moderate risk level, according to Comelec-Negros Oriental supervisor Eddie Aba.

Aba disclosed the election hotspo...