Comelec: Validated election-related violent incidents at 29

The number of confirmed election-related violent incidents has risen to 29, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia announced Monday.

“Sa kasalukuyan, base sa kanilang (PNP) datos, mula po October [2024] hanggang ngayon March 1, [2025] ay 29 election-related violence na nakalap po nila,” Garcia said in an ambush interview after a meeting with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

(Based on PNP data from October 2024 to March 1, 2025, authorities have recorded 29 election-related violent incidents.)

However, he noted that this figure does not yet include recent incidents in Abra and Lumbaca-Unayan, Lanao del Sur.

The majority of validated incidents have been reported in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

As of now, no area is under Comelec's control, but Garcia revealed that the PNP is still verifying 12 to 15 additional incidents suspected to be election related.

He also indicated that recent developments might lead to changes in the classification of election areas of concern.

“Tinitingnan din natin yung ilang loopholes at saka dapat na adjustment na ginagawa pa at ang napakataas na posibilidad na magkaroon ng pagbabago sa categorization, classification ng iba't ibang parte ng ating bansa,” Garcia said.

(We are assessing loopholes and necessary adjustments, and there's a strong possibility of revising the categorization of certain areas.) 

“Lalo sa mga recent pangyayari din ng karahasan na sinasabi natin na mukhang ang dating 38 areas of concern baka pwede magbago,” he added.

(Given recent violence, the current 38 areas of concern may need to be reevaluated.)

Election Day is on May 12, with overseas voting running from April 13 to May 12. Local absentee voters may cast their ballots from April 28 to 30. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

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