60 election-related violent incidents recorded, says PNP spox

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said a total of 60 election-related violent incidents have been recorded in connection with the May 2019 midterm polls.

At a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Bernard Banac said the number was lower compared to the 133 incidents related to the 2016 national polls.

"There is marked decrease of 55 percent. We attribute this to early preparation of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP and Comelec (Commission on Elections)... and of course the cooperation of the public," Banac said.

Of the said number, 51 incidents took place before the polls, eight happened on May 13 while one incident took place after the election.

The data is from January 13 up to the present, according to Banac. The election period ends June 12.

Banac also said a total of 6,226 individuals were arrested for gun ban violations.

He added that a total of 5,191 firearms of various caliber were confiscated while 49,499 deadly weapons were seized by authorities. — RSJ, GMA News