The number of validated election-related incidents for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, or BSKE, climbed to 30 as of Saturday, out of 151 cases recorded nationwide, the Philippine National Police said on Sunday.

Thirty-three incidents were still undergoing validation on the eve of the elections, while 88 were classified as unrelated to the polls.

PNP chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., said they are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response to incidents amid the polls.

"We have been investigating all incidents, but with regards to the alignment or deployment of forces, it's still the same with the regional directors. These incidents would be the basis for the deployment of personnel or realignment of forces," Acorda told reporters.

A total of 361 villages had been placed under the red category, 1,252 villages in the orange category, 1,210 villages under the yellow category, and 39,178 in the green category.

Meanwhile, the Comelec earlier placed the town of Libon in Albay and the whole Negros Oriental province under its control.

Comelec Resolution 10757 allows the poll body to place areas under its control for a history of intense rivalry among contending parties, which can lead to violent acts, incidents of politically motivated violence involving candidates and supporters, violence facilitated by the employment of private armed groups; and serious armed threats from communist groups and other lawless elements.

Acorda said regional commanders can deploy personnel under their operational control and supervision, depending on the prevailing peace and security situation in their respective areas.

"Our message to the public is clear: Election day will remain under our control, and we will not tolerate any disruptions or threats to the peaceful exercise of your right to vote. We urge the public to cooperate and report any irregularities or security concerns," he said.

Since the start of the election period last 28 August, the PNP has launched 317,596 checkpoint operations,  supervised by local Comelec officers, where 1,454 firearms were seized from 1,992 arrested gun ban violators as of Friday night.

The PNP has also accepted 1,683 surrendered firearms and another 2,325 firearms deposited for safekeeping. The election period for the BSKE will end on 29 November.