PNP confirms 11 poll-related incidents

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has validated 11 election-related incidents (ERIs) since the election campaign period began on 12 January.

In a Sunday radio interview, P/BGen. Jean Fajardo reported 39 suspected ERIs logged as of 28 March, with 11 confirmed as election-related.

Fajardo noted 23 incidents were unrelated to the 12 May elections, while five cases remain under validation as “suspected election incidents.”

Of the 11 validated ERIs, five are in preliminary investigation while the rest are undergoing case buildup. Fajardo stated these numbers are currently lower than during the 2019 midterm elections.

“However, our election period is not yet over. We will continue our monitoring,” she said. “We want to ensure these incidents don’t escalate, especially now that the local campaign period has started.”

The PNP has intensified monitoring of election areas of concern, noting local elections often prove more contentious than national ones. As of 19 March, areas of concern decreased to 386 from 403.

“Prompt response to issues raised by political aspirants contributed to this reduction,” Fajardo explained.

“Hopefully, these areas of concern will further decrease as elections approach,” Fajardo added.

The PNP has placed all units on heightened alert since local campaigns began 28 March. All regional offices must monitor jurisdictions to prevent crimes and respond to incidents.

Fajardo confirmed canceled leave applications for all officers to ensure 75 percent of PNP personnel remain deployment-ready during elections.