The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there are no serious threats to public safety in connection with the upcoming electoral process on 12 May.
In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Jean Fajardo said there are no serious threats being monitored as the 2025 midterm elections approach.
Fajardo, however, said the authorities are still taking precautions and actively gathering information to ensure safety.
"Wala naman tayong namo-monitor na seryosong banta. Pero hindi tayo nagkukumpiyansa at patuloy ang ating intelligence gathering," Fajardo said in another interview on Saturday.
(We are not monitoring any serious threats. However, we are not being complacent and our intelligence gathering continues.)
As of this press time, the PNP has validated 40 election-related incidents (ERIs), 26 of which were considered "violent" and 14 were "non-violent."
The majority of validated violent election-related incidents were reported in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with eight incidents, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with seven.
Three such incidents were monitored in the Zamboanga Peninsula, while two occurred in Cagayan Valley.
Additionally, one validated violent election-related incident was reported in each of the following regions: Ilocos, Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Davao, and Soccsksargen.
Further, Fajardo noted the PNP is still in the process of validating 17 suspected ERIs across several regions, including Ilocos, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and BARMM.
Fajardo stressed the PNP, along with other government agencies, remain vigilant and are on full alert status during elections.
The PNP recorded a total of 2,923 arrests for violations of the election gun ban.
The majority of those arrested were from Metro Manila, with 1,007 individuals, followed by Central Visayas with 380 and Central Luzon with 360.
Moreover, a total of 3,011 firearms have been confiscated, including 1,120 revolvers, 841 pistols, 114 gun replicas, 77 explosives, 55 Class A firearms, 24 rifles, 22 shotguns, and five Class B guns, among others.
Fajardo said the police are also intensifying efforts against vote-buying as Election Day nears.
“Whenever we receive a report about vote-buying, our officers immediately respond, document the incident, and report it to the election officer,” she said.