As the 2025 elections draw closer, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. George Garcia raised serious concerns over election-related violence while confirming that ballot printing is ahead of schedule.

Speaking in a radio interview on Tuesday, Garcia acknowledged the continued presence of private armed groups despite intensified law enforcement efforts. The latest ambush in Abra, which resulted in two fatalities and one injury, underscores the persistent threat of politically motivated attacks.

Garcia confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has leads on the case and expects arrests soon. However, he admitted that until private armed groups are dismantled, election violence will remain a grim reality. Some groups, he explained, are temporarily formed for election purposes, consisting of hired guns paid to operate for only a few months. Once they reach a membership of ten, they are classified as private armed groups.

COMELEC is currently reviewing its risk classification for election hotspots, with Pilar, Abra already under its control due to past incidents. Six regions have yet to submit updated security reports, delaying the reclassification of areas into red, orange, yellow, or green zones. If an area is placed under a red category, COMELEC will deploy additional PNP and AFP contingents, increase checkpoints, and tighten security protocols.

Despite the implementation of the election gun ban, more than 1,300 violators have been arrested. Many confiscated firearms were found on motorcycles, while high-powered weapons were intercepted in private vehicles. A recent arrest in Nueva Ecija uncovered a stockpile of firearms inside a car’s backseat. Among those arrested were a member of the AFP, a PNP officer, government appointees, and four foreign nationals, all of whom face charges of illegal possession of firearms and gun ban violations.

Ballot printing nears completion

Garcia also addressed concerns regarding withdrawn candidates, clarifying that their names will still appear on the ballots. With 77 percent of ballots — equivalent to 58 to 59 million — already printed, any modifications at this stage are no longer feasible. However, COMELEC remains on track to complete printing ahead of schedule, with a target completion date of 15 or 16 March.

International certification for election systems

Garcia also provided updates on the international certification of election systems, a process mandated under Republic Act 9369 to ensure compliance with global standards. The independent Technical Evaluation Committee, composed of representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), COMELEC, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), oversees this certification.

Historically, election technology certification has been issued close to election day. In previous elections, certifications were granted just weeks before voting, with the most recent in 2022 finalized on May 6. Garcia assured that the process is moving faster this year and is expected to be completed earlier than in past elections.

On fake news

Garcia also warned candidates and their supporters that spreading fake news could lead to disqualification. COMELEC is closely monitoring the dissemination of misinformation, which could undermine voter confidence and disrupt the electoral process.

With election security in sharp focus and ballot printing nearing completion, COMELEC is doubling down on efforts to ensure a fair, transparent, and violence-free electoral process.