With the 2025 elections fast approaching, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia has expressed serious concerns about election-related violence, while confirming that ballot printing is ahead of schedule.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, Garcia acknowledged that private armed groups were active, despite intensified law enforcement efforts.

A recent ambush in Abra, which resulted in two deaths and one injury, spotlighted the persistent threat of politically motivated attacks.

Garcia said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has leads in the case and expects arrests soon.

He conceded, however, that until private armed groups are dismantled, election violence will remain a serious issue.

Some of these groups made up of hired guns, he explained, are temporarily formed for election purposes. Once a group reaches a membership of 10, it is classified as a private armed group.

The Comelec is currently reviewing its risk classification for election hotspots. Pilar, Abra is under Comelec control due to past incidents. Six regions have yet to submit updated security reports, delaying the classification of areas into red, orange, yellow and green zones.

Areas classified as red will see increased security, including the deployment of additional PNP and AFP personnel, more checkpoints, and stricter security protocols.

Despite the election gun ban, more than 1,300 violators have been arrested.

A recent stop in Nueva Ecija uncovered a stash of firearms under a car’s backseat. Among those arrested were a member of the AFP, a PNP officer, government personnel, and four foreign nationals, who have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the gun ban.

Ballot printing ahead of sked

Garcia also addressed questions about candidates who had withdrawn, saying their names will still appear on the ballots.

With 77 percent of the ballots — approximately 58 to 59 million pieces — already printed, changes are no longer possible.

The Comelec remains on track to finish the printing ahead of schedule, with a target completion date of 15 or 16 March, he said.

Int’l certification

Garcia gave an update on the international certification of election systems for global compliance, which is required under Republic Act 9369.

The independent Technical Evaluation Committee, made up of members from the Comelec, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Information and Communication Technology, oversees this.

While certifications in past elections were issued close to voting day, Garcia said this year’s process is ahead of schedule.

With election security prioritized and ballot printing nearly complete, the Comelec is strengthening efforts for a fair, transparent, and violence-free election.

Garcia, meanwhile, warned that spreading fake news could lead to disqualification, with the Comelec monitoring any misinformation that could undermine voter confidence and disrupt the electoral process.