2 dead, 10 hurt in stampede in Zamboanga City

Two died while 10 others were injured when a stampede occured during a supposed payout for poll watchers at a hotel in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City.

The two fatalities were senior citizens, according to the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Residents said they were waiting for partial payment as poll watchers from candidates they refused to identify.

Police responded to the incident and dispersed the crowd.

In JP Soriano’s “24 Oras Weekend” report, Comelec urged witnesses and families of the victims to file a complaint. 

“In the event na mapatunayan na may mga vote buying incidents talaga, of course that is an election offense. If ma-trace din o makuha din na may particular na kandidato sa likod nito, of course this can also be for disqualification later on,” election officer Atty Jan Christian Babiera said.

(In the event that vote buying incidents are proven, of course, that is an election offense. If it is also proven that a particular candidate is behind it, of course, this can also be for disqualification later on.)

According to the Zamboanga police, a stampede did not occur during the orientation of poll watchers.

The police added that the victims died of natural causes.

Meanwhile, 11 people, mostly senior citizens, lost consciousness due to hunger and exhaustion during an initial payout of poll watchers.

As a result, Comelec halted any gathering organized by candidates.

The electoral board in Zamboanga also inspected the delivered ballots, such as indelible inks, ballot secrecy folders, and other items to be used in tomorrow's polls were brought.

Teachers who will serve as the electoral board in Barangay Santa Barbara have also arrived in the school that will serve a voting precint. — Mariel Celine Serquiña with GMA Regional TV/BAP, GMA Integrated News

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

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