Manila - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a significant rise in election-related incidents (ERIs) following the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo revealed in a press conference on Friday that the number of validated ERIs has increased to 96 out of 305 recorded incidents from August 28 to November 9.
According to Philippines News Agency, 13 incidents are still undergoing validation, while 196 were deemed unrelated to the October 30 polls.
The confirmed ERIs resulted in at least 26 fatalities and 96 injuries. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded the highest number of validated ERIs, followed by Northern Mindanao and other regions. Most incidents involved shooting, mauling, and physical injuries. Additionally, the police apprehended 2,211 violators of the BSKE gun ban, confiscating 1,689 firearms and securing 2,425 firearms for safekeeping. A total of 1,785 firearms were surrendered voluntarily. The election period for the BSKE is set to conclude on November 29.