PNP records 18 poll-related violent incidents so far; highest incidence in BARMM

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has monitored 18 violent incidents related to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), an official disclosed on Friday, Oct. 20.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fernando said a total of 97 violent incidents were recorded nationwide so far, of which, 18 were validated to have something to do with the upcoming polls.
The election-related incidents (ERIs) included 12 shooting cases, two kidnappings, and one case each of grave threat, indiscriminate firing, violation of gun ban, and an armed encounter.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had the highest number of ERIs with four incidents; followed by Eastern Visayas (Region 8) and Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with three each; and Bicol (Region 5) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with two apiece.
One incident each was also noted in Ilocos (Region 1), Calabarzon (Region 4A), Central Visayas (Region 7); and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9).
Fajardo said the PNP has addressed the ERIs and seven of them were already referred to police regional offices (PROs), eight were still under investigation, one was already filed in court, while personalities involved two cases refused to file charges.
Aside from those validated incidents, there were 13 other suspected ERIs being looked into by the PNP which include two cases each of shooting, physical injury, assault, and violation of gun ban; and one case each of mauling, harassment, stabbing, and armed encounter.
The 10-day campaign period for the Oct. 30 BSKE began on Oct. 19 and will last until Oct. 28.