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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Poll violence down by 56% but cops still on highest alert

Poll violence down by 56% but cops still on highest alert

Published May 13, 2025 04:32 pm

At A Glance

  • Police forces will remain on full alert status until May 15

Validated election-related incidents for this year’s midterm elections went down by 56 percent compared to the barangay elections in 2023, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday, May 13.

But while the 46 validated election-related incidents was lower compared to the 2023 barangay elections with 105, the figure, however, is higher compared to only 27 cases reported for the 2022 national and local elections.

PNP chief information officer Col. Randulf Tuaño said they will soon conduct assessment and analysis of the security situation and police response and action for this year’s elections to identify the good practices that could be replicated and security matters that could be adjusted. 

“These data will serve as the guide of the PNP in future election preparations. We will draw lessons from this data,” said Tuaño.

At least 163,000 policemen were tapped to secure the midterm elections and this was augmented by around 200,000 personnel from other law enforcement agencies like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil commended all police units and partner agencies for what he described as dedication and discipline in performing election duties.

“We stood firm and followed the President’s directive. The Filipino people deserve nothing less than a peaceful and honest election. We did not allow any force to interfere with the voice of the nation. We were ready, we were vigilant, and we delivered,” said Marbil.

While minor technical and logistical issues such as malfunctioning of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), delayed opening of precincts, and difficulty in locating voters’ names were reported in several areas, Marbil said these were all addressed by concerned authorities. 

None of these incidents, he emphasized, escalated into security threats or disrupted the overall peaceful conduct of the polls.

Marbil said they also responded to isolated reports of liquor ban violations and alleged vote buying.

“Investigations are ongoing, and charges will be filed against all individuals found in violation of election laws,” said Marbil.

Still on alert

On May 10, all police forces were placed on highest security alert status to ensure the peaceful and credible conduct of elections.

Marbil said his men will remain on alert: “The PNP remains on full alert as the canvassing and proclamation processes continue.”

“The public is encouraged to report any post-election irregularities through official hotlines and communication platforms,” he added.

Police response 

Tuaño also said the gun ban violators have reached 3,100 while the firearms confiscated recorded at 3,190 as of May 12.

He said alleged vote buying and vote-selling incidents were responded to, with 43 cases reported until the election day. 

Tuaño said isolated reports of liquor ban violations were also recorded wherein a total  232 persons were arrested for violating the liquor ban nationwide from May 11-12.

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