Fewer election-related violence so far

Election graphics by INQUIRER.net

The Philippine National Police has so far recorded fewer incidents of election-related violence this year compared to the two previous elections.

The PNP has recorded 53 cases of election-related incidents since the start of the election period on Jan. 9.

Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, however, said that of these incidents, only 14 were “validated” to be election-related as of May 4.

This is lower than the 133 validated election-related incidents recorded in 2016, as well as the 60 validated election-related incidents in the 2019 midterm elections, Fajardo said in an ANC interview on Friday.

“We are hoping that the 14 recorded validated election incidents will not increase as we see the coming May 9 elections,” she added.

‘Good development’

Of the 14 recorded election-related violence, “majority” were minor incidents, including cases of grave threats, life threats and physical injuries.

The low number of validated election-related incidents, Fajardo said, was a “good development on the part of the security forces.”

“We are hoping that the security coverage laid down by security forces will be effective in monitoring these incidents and we will not be foreseeing any violent election-related incidents three days prior to the conduct of elections this coming Monday,” she noted.

188 poll hot spots

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has identified a total of 118 election hot spots in the country—104 municipalities and 14 cities—under the highest “red” category of election hot spots, due to the presence of armed groups and intense political rivalry, which may fuel election violence.

At least 24 towns and four cities have already been placed under the control of the Comelec, which may direct the deployment of additional police and military personnel if necessary.

Already under Comelec control are Misamis Occidental province; Pilar town in Abra; Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Mangudadatu, Pandag, and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; and Marawi City, Maguing, Tuburan and Malabang in Lanao del Sur.