27 Dead, 62 Injured in Election-Related Violence Across the Philippines — PNP Reports

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

MANILA, Philippines — At least 27 individuals were killed and 62 others injured in various election-related violent incidents during the May 12 national elections, according to a report released by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP disclosed that a total of 100 validated incidents tied to the electoral process occurred across the country, with the highest number of fatalities recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which reported eight deaths. Other affected regions include the Cordillera Administrative Region with seven deaths, Zamboanga Peninsula with four, Central Luzon with three, Negros Island Region with two, and one each in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Davao Region.

The data was presented during the PNP’s post-election assessment meeting, where police officials reviewed their operational performance during the polls.

PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who presided over the meeting, emphasized the need for sustained and strategic security operations to safeguard future elections and maintain public trust in the democratic process.

Despite the casualties, security officials noted that the May 12 elections were “generally peaceful” in many parts of the country, particularly in sensitive areas of Central Mindanao and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, where only isolated incidents of violence were reported.

“Early deployment of troops and police personnel remains a crucial deterrent against those who intend to disrupt the electoral process,” said Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), during a security briefing.

Looking ahead, the military and police are preparing to implement similar security measures for the upcoming first parliamentary elections in the BARMM, scheduled for October 2025. Officials are keen to build on the lessons learned from the May polls to ensure a more secure and orderly voting process.

Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, noted that intensive security coordination has already proven effective in mitigating violence, particularly among supporters of rival political camps.

The PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to continue working closely with political stakeholders to promote peaceful and credible elections across the country.