The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that the number of validated election-related incidents (ERIs) has gone up to 40.
In its latest update on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that out of the 40 validated election-related incidents (ERIs) so far, 26 have been classified as violent. At the same time, the remaining 14 were considered non-violent.
Most validated violent ERIs were reported from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with eight, and from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), with seven.
Three confirmed cases of election-related violence have been recorded in the Zamboanga Peninsula, while two similar incidents were validated in the Cagayan Valley region.
Additionally, one verified violent incident tied to the elections was reported to come from each of the following regions: Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen.
The agency is still currently validating 17 suspected election-related incidents in several regions, including Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the PNP reported that 2,923 individuals have been arrested nationwide for violating the election gun ban ahead of the May 12 polls. Metro Manila had more than double the number of arrests of the next location, with 1,007 violators. Central Visayas had 380 and Central Luzon had 360.
Among those arrested were 19 personnel from the PNP, 18 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), seven from other law enforcement agencies, nine elected officials, two appointed officials, six members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary, 13 foreign nationals, three minors in conflict with the law, three suspected communist rebels, 48 security guards, and 2,795 civilians.
In total, 3,011 firearms were confiscated, which included 1,120 revolvers, 841 pistols, 114 gun replicas, 77 explosives, 55 Class A guns, 24 rifles, 22 shotguns, and five Class B guns, among other items.
The upcoming Election Day is scheduled for Sunday, May 12.
