PNP logs 27 deaths related to May polls

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-seven people were killed and 62 others were injured in separate violent incidents related to the conduct of the May 12 elections nationwide, according to the Philippine National Police.

Data from the PNP showed the fatalities were reported in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with eight; the Cordilleras, seven; Zamboanga peninsula, four; Central Luzon, three; Negros Island Region, two, and one each in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Davao region.

At a post-election assessment meeting, the PNP said it has validated 100 election-related violent incidents.

At the same meeting, the PNP evaluated the performance of its officials and personnel during the elections.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who chaired the meeting, cited the importance of a sustained effort in conducting election-related activities.

Meanwhile, security officials will tap similar measures implemented during the midterm elections to secure the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in October.

Security officials said the May 12 elections, especially in areas in Central Mindanao and in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, were generally peaceful despite occurences of pocket encounters and election-related incidents.

“Early deployment of troops and police forces is significant to deter plans by those who want to disrupt the electoral process,” Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said at a briefing.

Nafarrete said the military would be proactive in securing the BARMM parliamentaty elections, continuously collaborating and conducting dialogues with political parties.

Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said that intensive security preparations reduce violent incidents among supporters of poll candidates.