TWO were killed in seven suspected election-related incidents (ERIs) recorded since the beginning of the election period, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday, January 27, 2025.
In a press conference, Police Regional Office-Central Luzon director and concurrent spokesperson of the PNP Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said of the seven suspected ERIs, one was recorded each in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Soccsksargen, and four in Western Visayas (Region 6).
The ERIs in Ilocos Region and Soccsksargen were both shooting incidents that occurred on January 25 and 18, respectively, leaving an incumbent municipal councilor and a staunch supporter of a candidate for municipal councilor dead.
In Western Visayas, the ERIs include a vehicular accident involving an incumbent mayor.
Fajardo said local investigators are being given 10 days to look into the said incidents and validate if they can be considered as directly election-related.
An incident is classified as a suspected ERI if it occurs within the election period, from January 12 to June 11, and involves political candidates, their families, relatives, or close supporters. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)