As the May 12 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assures the public that they have yet to detect any serious threat. According to Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the election period has been generally peaceful so far.
In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Fajardo emphasized that although no major disruptions have occurred, the police remain vigilant. “Wala naman tayong namo-monitor na seryosong banta… pero hindi tayo nagkukumpiyansa at patuloy ang ating intelligence gathering,” she said, stressing their ongoing efforts to gather intelligence and prevent any incidents.
Validated Election-Related Incidents Stay Low
So far, the PNP has validated 40 election-related incidents (ERIs). Of these, 26 were violent while 14 were non-violent. Most violent incidents were reported in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with eight cases, followed by seven in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Other regions with violent ERIs include Zamboanga Peninsula with three, Cagayan Valley with two, and one each in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen.
Continued Monitoring of Suspected Incidents
The PNP is also validating 17 suspected election-related incidents across various regions such as Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and BARMM.
“Patuloy tayong nagbabantay. Naka-full alert na ang Pambansang Pulisya kasama ang iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno,” Fajardo added, indicating that the police are on full alert and coordinating with other government agencies to ensure a secure election period.
Election Gun Ban Enforcement and Arrests
The PNP reported arresting a total of 2,923 individuals for violating the election gun ban. The highest number of arrests came from Metro Manila with 1,007, followed by Central Visayas with 380, and Central Luzon with 360.
Profile of Arrested Individuals
The arrested violators include a wide range of people: 19 PNP personnel, 18 Armed Forces members, seven from other law enforcement agencies, nine elected officials, two appointed officials, six from the CAFGU Active Auxiliary, 13 foreign nationals, three minors, three suspected communist rebels, 48 security guards, and 2,795 civilians.
Authorities have seized 3,011 firearms in total. These include 1,120 revolvers, 841 pistols, 114 gun replicas, 77 explosives, 55 Class A guns, 24 rifles, 22 shotguns, and five Class B guns, among others.
PNP Cracks Down on Vote-Buying
Aside from enforcing the election gun ban, the PNP has intensified efforts to combat vote-buying as Election Day draws near. Fajardo explained, “Kapag may natanggap tayong sumbong about vote-buying, agad natin itong pinupuntahan, dinodokumento at nire-report natin sa election officer.”
This means police officers promptly respond to tips, document the incidents, and report them to the appropriate election authorities.
With these measures, the PNP aims to maintain peace and order, supporting a fair and safe election process for all Filipinos.