Comelec expects a higher election-related incidence

The Commission on Elections is expecting a higher number of election-related incidents in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October 2023.

Commissioner-in-Charge, Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns, Aimee F. Ferolino, said in a press conference on 4 October 2023, that the incidence of rivalries between political foes will increase and will be classified under the red category, referring to unlawful election occurrences.

"Historically, pag palapit na tayo sa election, mag i-intensify ang rivalry kasi lalo na magsisimula na ng campaign period, the emotions will be high so we will be expecting a higher incidence and the higher categories will be classified under the red." Ferolino said.

Comelec partnered with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in declaring a recommendation on the ban of firearms and security concerns and citing the proper actions needed.

The commissioner delivered reports that there are 187,882 checkpoints established and 8 persons arrested at checkpoints with 648 small firearms and 35 light weapons.

The COMELEC categorized the region's electoral state into different categories. From the green category, generally peaceful, to the red category (unlawful election incidences).

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao has the highest number of election-related incidents and is classified under the red category followed by Region 5.

The CBSFC can recommend to the Commission en banc to categorize cities and barangays if there is a history of current and intense rivalry among the contending parties, a history of Comelec control, an incidence of politically motivated violence involving candidates running in SK and Barangay elections, the existence of private armed groups, and the presence of armed threats from communists and terrorist groups.