The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Thursday, May 19, a total of 27 election-related incidents, citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
During a press briefing, Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco disclosed the breakdown of the 27 election-related incidents validated by the PNP: four in Region 1; six in Region 3; one in Region 7; seven in Region; one in Region 10; three in BARMM; and five in CAR.
"Inexclude na po nila dito yung ibang incidents that were reported but ultimately were determined and investigated na hindi election-related (They excluded the other incidents that were reported which were ultimately determined and investigated to be not related to the elections)," he explained.
He said that the PNP's investigative unit has factors which they consider which is why they were able to exclude non-election related incidents. He clarified that these incidents did not occur in a single day but were recorded from the start of the election period from January 9 up to election day.
In comparison, he stated that this is significantly lower compared to all automated elections that have been conducted in the past. Based on the assessment of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the recently-conducted polls were generally peaceful. On the other hand, Laudiangco also reminded that the election gun ban is still in effect until June 8.
Meanwhile, he said that they also endorsed to the PNP the increase in the number of purchases of mobile phones in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. Not only the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is looking at it, but also both the AFP and the PNP.