PNP logs 22 suspected election-related incidents

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it listed more possible poll-related incidents ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

“As of 8 a.m. today, nakapagtala na tayo ng (we have listed) 22 suspected election-related incidents. 11 ay (were) validated na non-election related incidents [while] two validated na (were) election related,” PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo told reporters.

“[The] remaining nine nakalista (were listed) as suspected election-related incidents habang isinasagawa pa ang (while there is an ongoing) validation whether the nine cases can be classified as election-related or not,” she added.

Fajardo said two incidents were validated, including one in Libon, Albay where the victim Alex Repato, re-electionist chairman of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by gunmen.

Repato was shot in his house on the first day of filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) on Aug. 28.

Another aspirant was also allegedly prevented from filing his COC in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, Fajardo said.

She said of the 22, nine incidents from Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga were proven unrelated to the coming election while nine others are for validation.

Fajardo said authorities confiscated 286 firearms as of 6 a.m. Monday in line with the gun ban, adding that the PNP is still finalizing data on arrested persons.

The gun ban is in place during the election period on Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.