Comelec to bets: Election not a war

As election violence intensifies, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia reminded candidates in the midterm polls in May that the electoral exercise is not a war.

- Mark Ernest Villeza

"Despite the competition, we should remain friends and brethren. It should unite us rather than divide," Garcia said yesterday as he urged candidates and their supporters to rein in their emotions.

"Candidates should be the best example of statesmanship," Garcia said amid the reported rise in the number of election-related violence.

Election watchdog National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) has expressed concern over the alarming rise in election-related violence as election day approaches.

NAMFREL said the violent incidents undermine the principles of democracy and threaten the integrity of the electoral process. It urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to reject violence.

"We urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace and orderliness as the campaign period begins," the group said.

Along with other civil society groups, NAMFREL said that it would monitor potential flashpoints of violence and take measures to prevent escalation before harm occurs.

Meanwhile, at least 39 suspected election-related incidents (ERIs) have been recorded by the Philippine National Police, according to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.

Of the 39 cases reported, Fajardo said 11 were confirmed to be election-related, 23 cases found to have no connection to the elections, and five still under investigation.

Fajardo noted that the number of validated ERIS remains lower compared to previous elections, particularly the 2019 midterm polls.

However, she cautioned that the election period lasts until June 11, and authorities remain on alert to prevent any escalation, especially as the local campaign period has begun.

"We know that local elections tend to be more intense because candidates often come from the same families, communities, or social circles. That is why we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that validated ERIS do not increase," Fajardo said over dzBB radio.