The Commission on Elections warned on Monday that individuals who violated election laws will be held accountable after the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said that they will wait for the casting of votes to end before taking appropriate action against violators.

"We will not forgive those who have violated the law, just like those individuals who tore up the ballot in Palawan. Let's just let it all be over," Garcia said during a press conference held at Palacio del Gobernador, Comelec.

Garcia added that the agency will pursue legal action against the individuals who threatened teachers in the Bangsamoro region and politicians who interfered in the election.

"We will take legal action against those who obstructed teachers in the Bangsamoro region in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, those who threatened and sent back electoral boards who were forced to move out the ballots. We also know all the acquaintances and all the politicians who interfered in the BSKE elections, especially in Mindanao. They are unlucky that we have photos and videos that will prove that they engaged in unlawful practices," Garcia added.

The Comelec said the 365 controlled areas under the red category have no reported untoward incidents.

Garcia lauded the 92 million registered voters who participated in the local elections. He also said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology attained a total of 77-percent voter turnout, while the Bureau of Corrections had a 92-percent voter turnout.

The Comelec likewise acknowledged the efforts of the 490,000 teachers who voluntarily participated to facilitate the BSKE elections.