49 election-related incidents, 20 deaths since Jan 12

A total of 20 people have died in 49 validated election-related incidents since the start of the election period on January 12 for the May 2025 midterm polls, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP reported that most fatalities were recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Of the 49 validated incidents, only three suspects have been arrested so far, while 44 others remain at large; most cases involved shooting with 24 reported shootings.

Other types of validated election-related incidents include strafing, explosion, threat, harassment, vote-buying, and grenade throwing.

Despite the violence, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that the elections have been generally peaceful overall, highlighting only certain areas experienced issues; 27 incidents were reported on Election Day.

The PNP is still validating 87 suspected election-related incidents including those that happened on Election Day, and will review security strategies for future elections.