By AARON RECUENCO
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 15 election-related deaths since the baramgay and Sangguniang Kabataan election period began in April 14.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PNP spokesman, said most of the fatalities were civilian supporters of the candidates who died mostly due to gun violence.
Of the 15 reported deaths, eight of them were civilians while three were elected government officials. Two were candidates while two others were former government officials.
Bulalacao said 10 others were wounded in the attacks while three others were unharmed.
“There were 55 perpetrators in the attack but only 20 of them were identified. Three were arrested,” said Bulalacao.
The election period ended Monday and Bulalacao said they are yet to collate the final tally of the election-related violent incidents.
Some of the gun attacks earlier declared as election-related violence turned out to be motivated by personal grudge and other motives not related to barangay elections.
On the other hand, almost 1,500 people were arrested since April 14 to May 19, according to the data from the PNP.
Most of those arrested, according to Bulalacao, are civilians while nine cops and six soldiers were collared.
It was recalled that aside from criminal charges, policemen, soldiers and other government employees arrested were also slapped with administrative charges.
Police earlier declared that the barangay elections are peaceful.