Controversial Election Incident of Unacceptable Proportions

Rewritten Article:

The forthcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) in the Philippines are expected to unfold without any significant instances of chaos, as declared by the Philippine National Police (PNP). In a press statement, PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil assured that despite technical and logistical issues, such as the deployment of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), delayed access to polling stations, and voter list complications, there would be no incidents jeopardizing the security or the transparency of the election process.

All police units and partner agencies have been mobilized to uphold their mandate and integrity during this critical period.

"This success isn't just about maintaining order today - it's about safeguarding every Filipino's right to vote freely and fearlessly. We will remain vigilant until the last vote is cast, and the true will of the people is fully respected," stated Marbil.

Approximately 205,136 government personnel, including 163,621 PNP personnel, 3,698 Special Electoral Board members, 37,817 augmentation forces from AFP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other partner agencies are on duty.

The PNP is operating on high alert as the canvassing and proclamation process proceeds. The public is urged to report any irregularities during the election through official hotlines and communication platforms.

As of now, 20 fatalities and 31 injuries have been reported in 49 verified election-related incidents since the election period commenced on January 12[1]. Initial reports indicated 13 deaths and 11 injuries in similar incidents[5].

In the City of Basilan, a predawn boat clash resulted in three deaths and two injuries. Adding to this, four people lost their lives in armed skirmishes in a village of Hadji Mohammad Ajul town prior to the elections[2].

In Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental, a shooting incident occurred on Election Day, causing two deaths and five injuries[2].

Three suspects were rounded up, with one surrendering himself to authorities - Arnie Benedicto, barangay chairman of Lantad in Silay City.

Despite these incidents, the elections are being termed as largely peaceful, and the PNP is in the process of reviewing security strategies for future elections[1]. While these statistics may indicate a more peaceful election compared to past years, it's crucial to remain vigilant and keep the safety of the entire populace as the top priority.

Enrichment Data Integration:

In addition to the violent incidents mentioned, the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported over 3 million cyberattacks aimed at its website and precinct finder apps during the midterm elections[4]. The PNP also documented various types of incidents, including 25 shooting incidents, eight threats, three alleged vote-buying incidents, two strafing incidents, and others[5]. Furthermore, the PNP arrested 3,117 gun ban violators, confiscating 3,204 firearms and arrested 232 individuals for violating the liquor ban[5]. Despite these instances, the PNP continues to assert that the elections were, for the most part, peaceful.

Despite the continuous monitoring of several incidents, such as shooting and strafing incidents, threats, alleged vote-buying, and over 3 million cyberattacks during the 2025 National and Local Elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained that the elections are largely peaceful.
General Rommel Marbil, the PNP Chief, emphasized that the success of the 2025 elections isn't limited to maintaining order on election day but also safeguarding every Filipino's right to vote freely and fearlessly.
War-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news outlets have been reporting an increase in election-related incidents nationwide, with several shootings, armed skirmishes, and gun ban violations leading to fatalities and injuries since the election period began.