Spike in Suspected Election-Related Incidents
The number of suspected election-related incidents jumped from 31 to 82 after the May 2025 midterm elections. This sharp increase was reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) the day following the polls. Despite this rise in suspected cases, the count of validated election-related incidents remains steady at 46 since the start of the election period on January 12.
The PNP has not yet released updated figures on casualties or injuries linked to these incidents.
Overview of Election-Related Incidents
In comparison, the 2022 national and local elections saw 27 validated election-related incidents, while the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections recorded 105 cases. On Election Day this year, the police monitored 27 incidents, including explosions, shootings, ambushes, and armed encounters. Other reported issues involved delays in automated counting machines (ACMs), ballot photography, flying voters, interference with ACMs, gun law violations, and illegal campaign activities.
Fatalities and Injuries Reported
Two people died in a firefight between rival groups in Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan. In Lanao del Sur, a man was shot dead after voting when he was about to return home. Meanwhile, three individuals sustained injuries from two separate mauling incidents in Abra, specifically in Tineg and Pigidan.
In Maguindanao del Sur, one person was hurt by an explosion near the barangay hall in Dado, Datu Piang. Additionally, explosions were reported in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur, and Calanogas, Lanao del Sur. In Sulu, an unknown individual destroyed an automated counting machine at a voting center in Tapul.
Security Concerns in BARMM Region
Most of the election-related incidents occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Police officials are now reviewing the security situation in the region to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October.
“Nakikita po natin sa mga insidente na nangyari sa kanila, ang tanong po natin dyan is ito ba ay karapat-dapat na tawaging ‘isolated’ incidents,” a police official said.
(After observing the incidents that occurred in these areas, our question is whether these are appropriate to be called ‘isolated’ incidents.)
He further explained, “Tinitignan natin yung tamang words na gamitin sa PRO BAR na meron silang distinct o unique na politics na kung saan ito ay maaaring gamitin, yung mga datos na natala nila ngayon para sa mga darating na elections lalo na sa parliamentary elections sa October.”
(We are looking at the right words to use in Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region as they have a distinct or unique politics where the data they recorded can be used for the upcoming elections, especially the parliamentary elections in October.)
The police’s focus on the security of the BARMM region aims to prevent further election-related incidents and ensure a peaceful electoral process in the coming months.
For more updates on election developments, visit Filipinokami.com.