FOUR individuals were confirmed dead while 12 others were wounded amid the ongoing 2025 national and local elections Monday, May 12.
In a report, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said two of the fatalities were from Barangay Mambulac in Silay City, Negros Occidental due to a shooting incident perpetrated by three individuals, allegedly including a barangay chairman.
In a press conference, Bangsamoro police Public Information Office (PIO) chief Lieutenant Colonel Jovy Ventura said Barangay Lantad Chairman Arnie Benedicto surrendered to authorities hours following the incident.
The two other fatalities were a municipal councilor candidate and brother of a barangay chairman of Sumbag Bayong.
The victims were killed following a shooting incident in Barangay Rinabor Bayang in Lanao del Sur.
Investigation into the said fatal incidents is still ongoing.
The PNP has recorded at least 12 violent incidents on Election Day in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Bangsamoro, Negros Island Region, National Capital Region and Cordilleras.
Police Regional Office-Davao Region has recorded an armed encounter between mayoralty candidates’ supporters in Barangay Mesaoy in New Corella, Davao del Norte, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals and left two others injured.
In Dinas, Zamboanga Del Sur, one was wounded due to a heated argument between the supporters of politicians in the area.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, police personnel had to take over and serve as electoral boards in 312 polling precincts due to a protest held by a party-list group.
In a statement, election watchdog National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) expressed concern over incidents of violence and disturbance amid the 2025 NLE. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)