Manila: Two individuals have been reported dead in seven suspected election-related incidents (ERIs) as the Philippines gears up for the May 12 polls, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP concurrent spokesperson and Central Luzon police chief, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, highlighted that these incidents include four occurrences in Western Visayas, and one each in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Soccsksargen. The incidents in the Soccsksargen and Ilocos Region, which occurred on January 18 and 25 respectively, resulted in the deaths of an incumbent municipal councilor and a supporter of a candidate for municipal councilor.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Fajardo further mentioned that the ERIs in Western Visayas included a vehicular accident involving an incumbent mayor. PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has instructed local investigators to promptly determine whether these incidents qualify as poll-related. Fajardo emphasized that commanders must not delay for ten days to finalize their findings and recommendations on the classification of these incidents as ERIs.
An incident is identified as a suspected ERI if it takes place during the election period from January 12 to June 11, and if it involves political candidates, their families, relatives, or close supporters. Meanwhile, PNP public information office chief Col. Randulf Tua±o reported that their latest figures show 379 gun ban violators have been apprehended, and 383 firearms seized by police authorities. The majority of those arrested were civilians, but the list also includes security guards, members of law enforcement agencies, and an appointed government official.
As per Comelec Resolution No. 11067, only individuals with a certificate of authority are permitted to carry firearms outside their residence or place of business during the gun ban, which is enforced by the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns. The PNP is actively operating Comelec checkpoints to enforce the gun ban throughout the election period, defined by Comelec Resolution No. 10999 as lasting from January 12 to June 11.
The campaign period for senators and party-list representatives will run from February 11 to May 10, while local candidates will be allowed to campaign from March 28 to May 10.
