The Philippine National Police (PNP) today announced a substantial decrease in election-related violence during the recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections. This significant improvement follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure safe, orderly, honest, and fair elections nationwide.
According to the latest validated data from the PNP, a total of 46 Election-Related Incidents (ERIs) were recorded. This figure represents a remarkable 56% reduction compared to the 105 incidents reported during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, attributed this positive development to enhanced security measures, robust collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the swift deployment of personnel to identified election areas of concern.
“The considerable decrease in election-related incidents this year underscores our unwavering commitment to fulfilling President Marcos Jr.’s vision for a democratic process that is free from fear, intimidation, and violence,” stated PGen Marbil. “Our dedicated police force has demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment in safeguarding the integrity of the election and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
The 2023 BSKE witnessed a concerning surge in ERIs, reaching 105 incidents – a staggering 289% increase from the 27 incidents recorded in the 2022 National and Local Elections. This spike was largely attributed to intense personal and local rivalries prevalent at the barangay level, often stemming from deep-seated family feuds and community disputes. Despite extensive security measures, the sheer scale of the BSKE, encompassing over 42,000 barangays, presented significant challenges. In 2023, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the highest number of incidents (57), followed by Region 10 (15), and Regions 8 and 1 (6 each).
In contrast, the 2025 elections demonstrated marked improvement in security across most regions. While the Cordillera Administrative Region recorded the highest number of ERIs with 13, followed by BARMM and Region 4A, the overall national figure reflects a substantial positive trend.
PGen Marbil emphasized the PNP’s consistent dedication to ensuring the integrity and orderliness of all democratic processes, regardless of the election type. “Whether it’s the BSKE or the National and Local Elections, the PNP consistently dedicates its full strength, from personnel deployment and logistical resource allocation to the implementation of strategic measures. The 56% decrease in election-related incidents in the 2025 elections compared to the 2023 BSKE serves as compelling evidence of the PNP’s intensified and strengthened vigilance, particularly in regions identified as potential areas of concern.”
The PNP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all democratic exercises in the Philippines.
