The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reinforced security in Siquijor province ahead of the May 12 polls due to escalating political tensions.

Comelec-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano said while private armed groups are uncommon in Siquijor, the agency deployed additional soldiers as a precaution.

“This is to assure the people of Siquijor that they can freely vote,” he said Monday.

The Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion assigned 46 soldiers – double last election’s deployment – to assist police in election security.

Unlike previous elections where troops served as quick-reaction forces, Castillano said soldiers will now actively secure polling areas. The Philippine Coast Guard will also help address the police shortage.

Despite political rivalries, all six Siquijor municipalities remain “green” or low-risk on Comelec’s election watchlist.

Police are investigating threatening calls to six village chairpersons to determine if they’re election-related. Investigators are tracing a suspicious phone number linked to the incidents.

Castillano said no election-related violence has been reported in Negros Island Region’s three provinces. (PNA)