PNP: 1st day of campaign 'generally peaceful' but with social distancing violations

The first day of the campaign period for the candidates for national positions in the May 9 elections went generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police said on Wednesday.

In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said there were three reported incidents of violence in Mindanao but noted that these are unrelated to the elections.

“So far, base po sa mga na-receive nating report, ay generally peaceful naman po ‘yung first day po ng campaign period ng ating mga national candidate,” she said.

(So far, based on the reports we have received, the first day of campaign period of our national candidates was generally peaceful)

However, Fajardo said that they observed that the social distancing protocol in light of the COVID-19 threat was violated in some campaign rallies.

She admitted that enforcing minimum public health standards in campaign rallies is a challenge for the police.

Fajardo earlier said the PNP will exercise maximum tolerance in enforcing election guidelines and COVID-19 health standards in campaign rallies to avoid tension during such activities.

She added that the PNP will focus on enforcing the election guidelines by the Commission on Elections, while barangays officials will focus on ensuring the adherence to minimum public health standards.

The 90-day official campaign period for candidates running for national positions officially started on Tuesday. —KBK, GMA News