NO untoward incident was reported during the first three days of the 45-day local campaign period, the PNP said yesterday.
The campaign period for congressional and local candidates started on March 28 and will run until May 10.
“Based on our third day of monitoring, it remains to be generally peaceful,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told a radio interview.
“We’re hoping the trend will continue,” she added,
Fajardo thanked candidates for their “cooperation” in the government’s campaign for a peaceful conduct of the May 12 elections.
Fajardo vowed the PNP will remain vigilant in preventing the occurrence of election-related violent incidents.
“In fact, we made adjustments in our deployment to ensure we will be able to sustain this, the non-occurrence of violent incidents or conflict between and among our political aspirants,” she said.
The PNP went on heightened alert status last Friday due to the start of the local campaign period and in anticipation of the influx of people who will be travelling out of town once the school year ends.
According to Fajardo, the number of validated election-related incidents (ERIs) is still at 11 as of March 28.
She said five other incidents, classified as suspected ERIs, are undergoing validation to determine if they are related to the elections, while 23 incidents, previously reported as suspected ERIs, have been found to be not related to the electoral exercise.
Fajardo said there are 386 areas of concerns across the country, citing data from the Commission on Elections as of March 19, which is lower than the 403 areas identified last January 8.
She said 36 of these areas are categorized as “red,” meaning there is serious threat of violent incidents, while the rest are classified as either “orange” or “yellow.”
“Hopefully, there will be further reduction of our areas of concern as we approach the election day,” she said.
‘STATESMEN’
Comelec chairman George Garcia yesterday called on all national and local candidates to become good examples to their supporters on how to have peaceful and orderly polls by avoiding any hostilities with their political rivals, especially during the campaign period.
“For the candidates, be the best example of statesmanship. The election is not a war. Despite the competition, we should remain friends, kins, and brethren,” he said.
He likewise urged political supporters to temper their emotions while campaigning for their candidates, noting that some supporters are sometimes more intense than the bets themselves.
“It (Elections) should unite us rather than divide. Let’s manage our emotions,” he said.
Garcia’s call comes after the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) raised concerns on the rising number of election-related violence ahead of the May 12 polls.
In its statement over the weekend, NAMFREL also called on all candidates, political parties, and their supporters to reject violence as a means to secure victory at any cost.
“Violence has no place in a democratic society. It is antithetical to the free and fair exercise of elections and serves only to perpetuate fear, coercion, and division,” it said.
“Whether used to gain an advantage, intimidate opponents, or as a tool for reprisal, such actions are counter-productive and only lead to further bloodshed,” it also said.
Instead of engaging in such acts, the poll watchdog said it would be better if candidates and their supporters will conduct activities to help de-escalate tension.
“We encourage community-led initiatives, such as dialogues, candidates forums, social covenants among competing candidates, and other non-violent activities that promote understanding and mutual respect,” it said.
Namfrel’s statement came following the killing last week of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte election officer Maceda Abo and her husband, Jojo Abo, were killed by unknown assailants.
POLL OBSERVERS
Meanwhile, the Comelec has issued Resolution No. 11121 setting April 15 as the deadline for individuals and groups looking to serve as election observers to file their applications so they can gain access to all steps of the electoral process.
“Election observation is globally recognized as an important mechanism to help ensure the integrity of elections and to build trust in the democratic process by allowing independent observers to provide feedback on the conduct of the elections,” the Comelec said.
The poll body said applicants must have a bona fide or good faith intention to participate exclusively as observers in national and local elections and must be free from any political, economic, or other conflicts of interests that would interfere with the conduct of election observations impartially.
It said applications may be sent via e-mail to election.observers@comelec.gov.ph, with the documentary requirements attached in PDF format and photos in JPG or PNG file format.
On the other hand, those based in the National Capital Region (NCR) may do paper-based submissions in person or through an authorized representative to the Comelec – Education and Information Department (EID); while those based outside of Metro Manila may submit to the nearest Office of the Regional Director (ORED) where they reside or hold office.
The Comelec said duly-accredited observers will be allowed access to all stages of the electoral process, including preparatory activities, but subject to conditions as may be necessary for the protection of Comelec personnel, property, privileged information, and the integrity of the elections.
All accredited observers shall also be given access to all persons concerned with the electoral process, such as Comelec officials, members of legislative bodies, security officials, and government agencies with functions that are relevant and significant to the elections; and media entities.
The poll body said observers are expected to submit a report of their observation mission to the Comelec en banc, through the EID, with a template to be provided as a guide.
The Comelec said the deadline of submission of reports shall be on June 11, 2025.
It reminded observers that they are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities or acts designed to affect the results of the elections; contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity; or enter any polling place without consent of the chairman of the Electoral Boards concerned.
They are also not allowed to mingle and talk with voters inside any polling place; threaten, intimidate, or actually cause, inflict, or produce any violence, injury, punishment, damage, loss or disadvantage upon any person; or propagate false and alarming reports or information, transmit or circulate false orders, directives, or messages relating to the conduct of the elections.
Violation of the prohibited acts is punishable as an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of right of suffrage, and deportation after the prison term has been served, if a foreigner. – With Gerard Naval
