Comelec sees spike in poll-related violence in Bangsamoro

Metro Manila, Philippines - A region classified as high security risk has seen a spike in election-related violence, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

In particular, the Comelec singled out Maguindanao and Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which has been tagged as a red area.

“Talaga lang may mga maiinit ang ulo at hindi makatiis na hindi po sila hahawak ng baril o magpapatumba ng tao,” Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

[Translation: There are just hot-headed people who cannot control themselves from holding a gun or killing someone.]

Garcia said a number of areas of concern in the orange category may be placed in the highest red category, adding that there may be a need to increase security.

He said violence picked up at the beginning of the campaign for national candidates on Feb. 11.

“Nagiging regular po kasi, hindi siya every week lang. Medyo nagiging araw-araw ‘yung iba. Therefore, kinakailangan siguro ng ekstrang atensyon ng Comelec, ng PNP (Philippine National Police), at ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.

[Translation: It has been becoming regular, it was not just every week. It has become almost a daily thing. Therefore, those areas need extra attention from the Comelec, PNP, and the AFP.]

This week, reelectionist Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Omar Samama was shot in broad daylight while speaking during a medical mission. He survived.

Thirty-eight areas are under the red category. Garcia said some areas may be removed because of fewer violence.

He said election violence has so far been the lowest since 2013.