Only 41 violent incidents in 2019 polls — PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, said the Monday midterm elections were “generally peaceful,” with only 41 violent incidents nationwide that are yet to be validated as election-related.

The PNP said on Tuesday that the incidents ranged from commotion, mauling, attempted murder and shooting incidents, including that of a barangay councilor killed after casting his vote in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

“There may have been incidents of violence, vote-buying and harassment, but these have all been resolutely and efficiently addressed by our police units together with the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the Commission on Elections,” Albayalde said.

The police chief noted a 60-percent decrease of incidents compared to 106 reported incidents during the 2016 elections, particularly in Mindanao which was categorized as an election “area of grave concern.” —Jaymee T. Gamil