AFP logs 15 cases of election violence; Comelec says Eleksyon 2022 ‘relatively peaceful’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recorded at least 15 incidents of election-related violence involving shooting and explosions on election day, Monday.

In a briefing, AFP spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said despite the reports of these incidents, the overall security situation of the country is “good” as people were able to vote and continue the process.

“Today we recorded 15 related violent incidents, a series of shooting and explosions. Generally, what is important nakalatag yung security ng AFP at Philippine National Police and we are able to react immediately to this situation,” Zagala said.

“So pag may nangyayaring incident, all of these 15, we are able to respond. Although sadly may namatay, what is important to us is maka-help at the same time gain confidence of the people so that they can vote, and as we speak hindi naman nag-stop ang voting natin. Overall, the security situation is good in terms of our people being able to vote and continuity to process. That is our job, the AFP and PNP that we will work together,” he added.

The AFP reported one strafing in Buluan, Maguindanao where three were killed and one was wounded. Explosions in Kabacan, Cotabato and Mangundatu, Maguindanao were also recorded. Armed clashes also occurred in several areas in Maguindanao.

Other incidents recorded were strafing, ballot-snatching, and indiscriminate firing.

Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan said these incidents will be forwarded to the en banc and that the poll body "might" take action on the cases.

He said that the en banc may only consider declaring a failure of voting elections in some centers, not necessarily an entire town, including potentially where a fatal shooting incident occurred, in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

"May report na in some precincts doon, after the shooting incident, medyo tumakbo yung mga tao doon, sa presinto na yun, at yung kabila daw, they filled up the ballots. We are still validating that, we required our election officer to submit a formal report, and we will act on that accordingly. But if ever we will declare a failure of election, it is only for that particular voting center, not the whole town," Pangarungan said.

He added that this year’s elections was “relatively peaceful” compared to elections in 2019.

“As confirmed by our security partners nung nakaraang election 2019 ang number of violent incidents were 60, ngayon ang nai-report lang is 15 incidents so I would still consider this election is relatively peaceful compared to elections in 2019,” Pangarungan said. — BM, GMA News