Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a significant increase in election-related incidents (ERIs) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) compared to the previous elections. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, during a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, stated that a total of 105 validated ERIs were recorded from August 28 to November 29. This number marks a 162% increase, up by 65 incidents from 40 validated ERIs during the 2018 polls. Out of the PNP’s final tally of 331 incidents, five cases are still undergoing validation, while 221 incidents were confirmed as unrelated to the polls.
According to Philippines News Agency, The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded the highest number of confirmed ERIs with 57, followed by Northern Mindanao with 15, and six each in Eastern Visayas and Ilocos Region. Other regions recorded fewer incidents. Despite the increase in ERIs, Fajardo assured that these did not affect the overall electoral process, and there was no recorded failure of election. The incidents resulted in 29 fatalities and 100 injuries.
Additionally, Fajardo reported the arrest of 2,672 persons during the implementation of the nationwide gun ban for the BSKE, which officially concluded on Wednesday. Authorities confiscated 2,087 firearms, with 2,241 surrendered and 2,753 deposited for safekeeping.
Regarding the case of Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, Fajardo stated that the PNP is awaiting the official order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) concerning his dismissal from service. The DILG denied Abong’s appeal for his dismissal following a hit-and-run and drunk driving incident in August 2022 in Quezon City. Upon dismissal, Abong will forfeit his benefits, lose his eligibility, and be permanently disqualified from holding any government position. He may appeal to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the courts. The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office has revoked the licenses of his three firearms. Abong faces several charges, including an indictment by the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for a separate incident involving firearm discharge in a bar.