THE Commission of Elections and the Philippine National Police described Monday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as ‘generally peaceful’ except for some shooting incidents in Bangsamoro Administration Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where six were reported dead.

Apart from the shooting incidents in BARMM, which left six, all supporters or relatives of candidates, dead, there were also reported incidents of fistfights and harassment of poll officers and tearing of ballots in some areas although police immediately addressed them.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia admitted there’s really ‘no perfect election’ as he cited complaints of missing names on the voters’ list and other problems that were relayed to them.

In a television interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said they recorded 29 election-related incidents since the start of the BSKE period which left 19 people dead, most of them in BARMM.

However, the official said the numbers of fatalities were low compared to those recorded in the 2018 BSKE where authorities recorded over 300 election-related incidents.

On Monday, two people died while four were wounded in a shooting incident in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao which broke out shortly before polling centers in the area opened.

Another person was killed in a gun attack in the province. A candidate for barangay captain in Butig, Lanao del Sur, as well as another candidate for the same position and five others, were also hurt in a shooting incident in Tuburan, Basilan.

Six barangays in Lanao del Sur and another in Samar are also set to reset their elections on Tuesday after voting in those areas were postponed.

The BSKE was postponed in the six Lanao del Sur villages due to the late arrival of election equipment and paraphernalia.

On the other hand, voting in one barangay in Calbayog City, Samar was halted after New People’s Army guerrillas shot soldiers and policemen escorting election officials, triggering a gunbattle.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections echoed PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.’s assertion of a generally peaceful election.

The Namfrel, citing reports from their observers, said the Comelec electoral boards appeared to be well-prepared on Monday as the group noted a high turnout of voters.

The PNP said it is investigating 35 election-related incidents (ERIs) which left five persons dead and 11 wounded.

Some arrests were also made in connection with the police’s effort to stop vote-buying/selling.

Gen. Acorda described Monday’s polls as generally peaceful hours after the voting ended on Monday afternoon.

“I am delighted to announce that these elections have epitomized the essence of democracy–a harmonious, organized and united endeavor.

“However, as with any significant endeavor, we have encountered challenges along the way but these did not affect the overall conduct of the electoral process.

In the face of these hurdles, we have not faltered. We have risen to the occasion, determined to find swift and effective resolutions. Our collective efforts have ensured that the integrity and fairness of the electoral process remain unscathed,” the top cop added.

Gen. Acorda said it is imperative to recognize their responsibilities extend beyond the voting booths.

“We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that every single vote is counted accurately and that the deserving candidates are rightfully proclaimed. Upon the culmination of this election exercise, we will still be providing comprehensive security coverage during the transport of election paraphernalia back to the Comelec warehouse.

We guarantee that every precaution will be taken to ensure the safe and efficient handling of these vital components of democracy,” he said.

Gen. Acorda said that the number of validated ERIs, as of Monday afternoon, rose to 35 with 191 others still being probed.

During the 2018 BSKE period from April 14 to May 18, 2018, there were 57 violent incidents recorded, leaving 35 dead and 27 wounded.

The PNP Directorate for Operations, headed by Brigadier Gen. Leo Francisco, said there were ‘no major incidents recorded’ on Monday except for some minor cases of delayed opening of polling areas.

The PNP also recorded the following on Monday: two cases of mauling in Zamboanga peninsula; two cases of physical injury in Northern Mindanao; a reported harassment of policemen in Region 12; and a case of malicious mischief in Cordillera region.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon