PNP monitoring more suspected election-related violence

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday it is now validating five incidents of violence if they are related to the May 2025 elections.

In an update as of Thursday, the PNP said these five incidents include two each in Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and one in Davao Region.

This was higher compared to the only two violent incidents reported Monday.

So far, there is still only one validated election-related incident of violence, which was reported in Western Visayas.

Fifteen incidents of violence—previously reported as suspected election-related—have been confirmed to be not related to the May 2025 polls, according to the PNP.

On Wednesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia said the poll body has monitored an uptick in the cases of election-related violence in Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

“Ang 2025 so far ang pinakamababa pa simula 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022. Mababa pa ito. Ang sinasabi ko lang na pag-spike ‘yung pagpasok ng February 11, biglang may krimen tapos ang biktima kalimitan politiko,” said Garcia.

(The data this year remains the lowest since 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022. We’re seeing a spike because we received reports starting February 11 and most of the victims are politicians.)

On Monday, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Datu Omar Samama was wounded when a suspected sniper shot him while he was giving a speech at a program in Barangay Magaslong.

The vice mayor is seeking reelection in the May 2025 elections.

Authorities are looking into the possibility that an armed group was behind the attack against Samama, according to the PNP.

Gun ban

Meanwhile, the PNP said a total of 1,300 persons were arrested for violating the election gun ban.

Most of the arrests are reported in Metro Manila with 401, followed by Central Luzon with 200 and Central Visayas with 180.

Among the nabbed suspects are the following:

• eight PNP personnel
• seven Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel
• six personnel from other law enforcement agencies
• two elected government officials
• two appointed government officials
• one CAFGU Active Auxiliary
• six foreign nationals
• three children in conflict with the law
• 26 security guards
• 1,239 civilians

A total of 1,298 firearms were seized, including 520 revolvers, 379 pistols, 53 gun replicas, 34 explosives, 31 Class A guns, 11 rifles, 10 shotguns, four Class B guns, and 256 others.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the gun ban is effective starting January 12 to June 11 in a bid to lessen election-related violence.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.