PNP clarifies Comelec info, says validated poll-related incidents only 8

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reached out to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to clarify that the number of validated election-related incidents (ERIs) was only eight as of Sunday, instead of 29 that the poll body reported.

In a press briefing Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said she personally coordinated with Comelec Chairman George Garcia regarding the matter.

She said the Comelec included incidents as early as October, or months ahead of the PNP's cutoff date last January.

For the PNP, the validated ERIs include three in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), two in Western Visayas, and one each in Ilocos Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen.

These reports involved five shooting incidents, one mauling, one use of explosives, and one cyber libel case.

A total of four people were killed and four others were injured in these incidents, according to the PNP.

Last Monday, the Comelec said a total of 29 validated ERIs have been reported since October last year.

However, Fajardo clarified that ERIs only cover incidents that happened during the election period, which started on January 12 this year.

"Kahapon po ako po ay personal na nakipag-ugnayan po sa Comelec just to correct the figures… Ang reckoning time po natin is January 12 onwards. Doon lamang magka-qualify na ang isang insidente po ay maka-consider na suspected election-related incident," she said.

(Yesterday, I personally contacted the Comelec just to correct the figures... Our reckoning time is January 12 onwards. Only then would an incident be considered to be a suspected election-related incident.)

Sought for comment on the matter, Garcia told GMA News Online that the poll body acknowledges the corrected figures from the PNP.

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. — with a report from Sundy Locus/ VDV, GMA Integrated News

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