PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that it has so far monitored seven suspected election-related incidents of violence following the start if the filing of the certificate of candidacy period for the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the police force has yet to validate whether or not the seven incidents were election-related since they happened during the election period.
“Well, with regards to the total number of election-related incidents, suspected pa lang kasi ang meron tayo for validation (we are still validating them). So all in all seven,” Acorda said in a press briefing.
Acorda likewise reported that some barangay officials have already requested police protection, but these appeals are still up for assessment.
“Kung may mga nakikita tayo na medyo nakakaapekto or threat on the part of these individuals, kahit candidate or hindi candidate […] it is our duty to provide such kind of protection,” Acorda said.
(But if we see any threat on the part of these individuals — candidate or not — we must provide them with protection.)
He added that the PNP has also identified and prepared a list of areas of concern, but it has yet to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Commission on Elections to release the official list.
In August, the PNP identified 27 possible areas of concern under the red category or places with grave security threats or a history of election-related violence.