10 killed in 22 election-related incidents: PNP

PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac, said the figure involved election-related incidents recorded from January 13 to April 30. A total of 11 persons were also wounded since the start of the election period. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA – A total of 10 persons were killed in 22 incidents as the May 13 mid-term polls drew near, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac, said the figure involved election-related incidents recorded from January 13 to April 30. A total of 11 persons were also wounded since the start of the election period.

Banac said the number is low compared to the number of election-related cases in the previous election year.

“Yes, 22 incidents is very low, compared to 106 incidents for the same campaign period in 2016,” he told reporters, noting that they are still investigating the cases to determine the motives in the killing.

He said an incident involving candidates or their supporters are automatically considered as election-related, especially when it happened during the election period.

He said the incidents, which happened in various parts of the country, are considered homicide cases.

Meanwhile, Banac said security measures are all set as 160,000 police personnel will be deployed for the May 13 mid-term elections.

Part of the deployments are those assigned at the national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, who will act as reserved forces.

The PNP has also been placed on full alert status in preparation for the mid-term polls, Banac said.

Last month, the PNP identified 941 election hotspots or 57.60 percent of the total 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide.