The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded less number of election-related violence incidents in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the recent local polls compared to the previous years.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo credited the improved peace and security situation in BARMM to the around 800 police reinforcements deployed to the region even before the start of the elections.
Fajardo mentioned that 266 barangays in BARMM has been placed under red category by the Commission on Elections due to security concerns.
"Sabi nga ng regional director na napakalaking tulong nitong augmentation team natin para ma-limit yung dati na nating na-encounter na problem diyan sa region na iyan," Fajardo said on Wednesday, November 2, during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime.
"Meron tayong mga naitala pero mas mababa kumpara sa mga previous election," she added.
Even though the PNP recorded some incidents of election related violcnce, Fajardo stressed that the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls last Monday, October 30, has been "generally peaceful" across the Philippines.
"Wala namang naitalang failure of elections kaya masasabi natin na naging successful yung nakaraang election," the PNP official said.
Fajardo also assured that law enforcements units have identified the culprits behind the shooting incidents in Lanao Del Norte, and the BARMM Police Regional Office prepares to file the necessary charges against the culprits.
As of November 2, PNP validated 16 incidents of election-related violence in the Bangsamoro Region.
