The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has seen a rise in election-related violence (ERV) as the 2025 elections approach.
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, ERV is rampant in the province of Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
“Meron nitong nakakaraang araw, may mga kandidato rin na namatay o natambangan, meron ding na-sarifice na ilang bata na nadadamay… so medyo worried po tayo sa ganyang development kasi may involved na mga bata,” Garcia said.
Garcia acknowledged that with the official campaign period for local positions set to begin next month, the Comelec still faces limitations in addressing certain election-related concerns.
“Saan naman kayo nakakita, nagkakamatayan na nga… Napakahirap i-balanse nun, although we have the power not to confiscate firearms, may power na rin kami dun sa classification… Wala pa kami masyadong jurisdiction sa local. Kaya lang po meron kaming certain limitations,” he said.
Garcia stressed that some provinces have a high likelihood of being placed under the “red” category due to escalating violence.
“Baka po yes, may mga napansin po tayo na nasa orange category na bigla na lang nagkaroon ng spike ng violence — hindi naman po ganon kataas kaya lang mukhang kinakailangan iyung aming security forces mas damihan namin dun sa areas na yun,” Garcia said.
On Monday, March 3, PNP chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil is scheduled to meet with Comelec officials.
Meanwhile, GCash has imposed limits on “send money” transactions to prevent vote buying during the election season.
Garcia expressed satisfaction with the current security measures for the midterm elections.
“Hindi po, talaga lang may mga hindi makatiis na hindi sila hahawak ng baril. May criminal minds talaga… talagang ang dapat lang diyan, presence ng military at ng PNP,” Garcia said.
However, he emphasized that the upcoming 45-day campaign period for local candidates will be even more critical.
“Basta papalapit na ganyan, asahan ninyo kapag pumasok ang 45-day period ng campaign, iyan ang pinaka-critical,” Garcia said.