BSKE-related violent incidents up 162.5 %

MANILA, Philippines — The number of violent incidents during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this year was higher compared to the BSKE in 2018, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Data released by PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo showed that 105 incidents were recorded during the election period from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29, an increase of 162.5 percent compared to 40 logged in 2018.

Fajardo said 29 people were killed and 100 others were injured in this year’s BSKE.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region recorded the highest number of incidents at 57 followed by Northern Mindanao with 10 and Ilocos and Eastern Visayas, six each.

Despite the increase in election-related incidents, Fajardo said this year’s BSKE was generally peaceful as there were no reports of failure of elections.

She said the number of gun ban violators increased by 77 percent.

Fajardo said 2,672 people were arrested for carrying firearms and other deadly weapons. At least 1,509 gun ban violators were apprehended during the BSKE in 2018.

The PNP said the number of seized loose guns rose by 60.78 percent or from 1,298 to 2,087.

A total of 4,944 other firearms were either surrendered or deposited for safekeeping by their owners.