The Philippine National Police (PNP) has logged 12 election injuries and four election-related deaths across the country, as of 5 p.m. on 12 May, Election Day.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP Public Information chief Colonel Randulf Tuaño said two deaths involved candidates for municipal councilor and a Barangay Chairperson in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

While two individuals died and eight injured in various election-related incident in Negros Island Region.

Stalled elections
Meanwhile, Tuaño said a total of 37,525 election precincts nationwide facilitated the casting of votes.

However, 21 precincts — located in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Sur — have yet to begin the voting process due to earlier reported commotion.  

In the same press conference, Police Regional Office of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Public Information Officer, P/LtCol. Joey Ventura said the elections in the area started between 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on 12 May Election Day.

Ventura said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is yet to approve whether the extension of elections in the area would be allowed.  

He lamented that slow communications in the area remain a challenge for them.

Ventura added that the PRO-BAR is still verifying the deaths of two individuals in Basilan province as of 12:30 p.m.

"Nagkaroon po ng tensyon, ang pinoprotesta po ng isang vice mayoralty candidate na kung pwede pulis daw po ang mag-act as SEBs at in the end naayos naman. Approved na po na pulis na ang mag-act as SEBs," Ventura explained.

("There was a reported tension, one vice mayoralty candidate asked the police to act as SEBs, and in the end, it was.")

The incident happened near the municipal hall compound, where supporters of one candidate had been barricading for hours.

Ventura said the elections were stalled in the town's 104 polling precincts.  

Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality has been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following the ambush of an election officer in April.

A total of 3,698 police officers have been trained to serve as members of the Special Electoral Board across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Liquor ban

On the other hand, the PNP reported  11 violators of the liquor ban from 11 to 12 May.

The Comelec Resolution No. 10999 prohibits the sale, distribution, offering, purchase, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages nationwide, except for hotels and establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism that cater to foreign tourists.

In addition to the liquor ban, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminds candidates and their supporters that campaigning is strictly prohibited from 11 to 12 May. This includes removing campaign materials and wearing campaign-related clothing on election day.