PNP: 22 suspected election-related incidents of violence recorded so far

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has monitored a total of 22 incidents of violence suspected to be related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

“As of 8 a.m. today ay nakapagtala na po tayo ng 22 suspected election-related incidents. Eleven po diyan ay validated na po na non-election-related incidents. Dalawa po diyan ay validated na election-related incidents,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a press conference.

(As of 8 a.m. today, we recorded 22 suspected election-related incidents. Of which, 11 have been validated to be non-election-related incidents, while two have been validated election-related incidents.)

The 11 validated non-election related incidents of violence were reported in Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Soccsksargen and Caraga, according to Fajardo.

Meanwhile, the two validated election-related incidents of violence were reported in Bicol and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Fajardo said the remaining nine reports of incidents of violence are still undergoing investigation and validation.

Citing PNP’s Police Security and Protection Group, Fajardo said that so far two barangay officials have received security from the police organization due to validated threats on their lives.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said 474 violators of the election gun ban have been arrested and 286 firearms have been confiscated so far.

The BSKE 2023 is set to be held on Monday, October 30.

The gun ban took effect on August 28 as the election period for BSKE 2023 started. —KG, GMA Integrated News