31-10-2023 (MANILA) Despite incidents of violence in various parts of the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared Monday’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) as “generally peaceful.”
Comelec Chairman George Garcia acknowledged that there were a few violent incidents, particularly in the Bangsamoro region, but overall, the elections proceeded smoothly across the nation. Garcia expressed his puzzlement over the intensity and passion surrounding the elections in the Bangsamoro area, emphasizing the need for peaceful participation.
As of yesterday, the Comelec recorded 29 confirmed election-related violent incidents. However, no election-related incidents were reported in the 365 areas previously identified as “areas of concern” by the commission.
Tragically, four people were killed in separate incidents during the BSKE. In Maguindanao del Norte, two individuals were shot dead in Datu Odin Sinsuat town. Another shooting occurred in Butig, Lanao del Sur, resulting in the death of a village chief candidate. A shootout between supporters of two candidates for barangay captain took place in Bacolod town, Lanao del Norte. Additionally, a poll watcher was beaten up in Matungao, Lanao del Norte, and violence erupted between poll watchers and supporters of rival candidates in Sinulatan village, Basilan.
In Lamitan City, Basilan, a CAFGU militiaman was killed after he shot a village councilor and injured a barangay chairman. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motives behind these incidents and whether they were directly related to the elections.
Violence also marred the elections at two polling precincts in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, where arguments and commotions erupted among poll watchers and supporters of candidates. Several unused official ballot forms were found torn as a result.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that a total of 35 validated election-related incidents were recorded in the BSKE, potentially surpassing the 40 incidents documented during the previous BSKE in 2018. These incidents occurred in various regions, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Cordilleras, Calabarzon, Bicol, Ilocos, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The PNP also identified 17 cases of vote buying throughout the country, with arrests made in different regions. Additionally, nearly 2,000 individuals were apprehended for possessing firearms and other deadly weapons in violation of the nationwide gun ban. Over 5,500 guns were confiscated and deposited at police stations for safekeeping.
Despite these incidents, Comelec Chairman Garcia emphasized that the elections proceeded as planned, and legal charges will be pursued against the suspects involved. The counting of ballots nationwide is expected to commence immediately after the closure of polling precincts, with winners to be proclaimed by 11 p.m. at the latest.
While the voter turnout is yet to be determined, Garcia expressed confidence that it could surpass the target of 70 percent. Among the incarcerated population, a high turnout of 77 percent was recorded in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and 92 percent at the Bureau of Corrections.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos concurred with the Comelec’s assessment, stating that the BSKE was generally peaceful, particularly in the National Capital Region. He highlighted the proactive efforts of the PNP in arresting individuals involved in vote buying. Throughout the campaign period, approximately 380,000 checkpoints were conducted.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the BSKE in the Visayas region was generally peaceful, attributing the positive outcome to the collaborative efforts of the Comelec, Department of Education, PNP, and Coast Guard.
