DAVAO CITY (May 15) —–At least nine people were killed. Several others were injured in multiple election-related incidents during the May 13, 2025, midterm polls. Yet, officials from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained that the overall conduct of the elections was “generally peaceful.”
The fatal incidents—reported in Basilan, Negros Occidental, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, and Abra—were part of a volatile election day that saw millions of Filipinos braving extreme heat and political tension to elect over 18,000 officials, from local leaders to members of Congress.
“Overall, the situation has been satisfactory and relatively peaceful,” said COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, citing the timely deployment of election materials and the early opening of precincts nationwide.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil echoed the sentiment: ” It was very peaceful. And we arrested those who tried to disrupt the polls. “
Despite the assurances, deadly violence marred the elections in several regions:
Basilan: Three people, including a poll watcher, were killed and two others wounded in a predawn boat clash near Hadji Muhtamad town. The victims were aboard a motorboat in the convoy of a mayoral candidate when they were fired upon after reportedly refusing inspection.
Negros Occidental: Two were killed and seven wounded in Silay City when armed men in a moving vehicle fired on individuals gathered near a local party headquarters in Barangay Mambulac.
Lanao del Sur: Three were killed in separate incidents. Two, including a councilor candidate, were shot dead in Barangay Sumbag, and another was slain in Barangay Madaya.
Zamboanga del Sur: A man identified as “Samsodin” was killed after an armed group harassed a rival political faction in Barangay Guinicolalay, Dinas town.
Abra: In Sagap village, Bangued, voters fled in panic after a burst of gunfire erupted while people were waiting to vote. One person was injured.
The PNP has yet to release a final tally of casualties from election day. Still, PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said that 16 people have died in 46 validated election-related incidents (ERIs) since the election period began on January 12, 2025. An additional 31 incidents are still being investigated for possible election-related motives.
PNP: Election-Related Violence Down by 56%
Despite the fatalities, the PNP highlighted a significant drop in overall ERIs, crediting enhanced security efforts nationwide.
According to PNP data, the 46 validated ERIs in this year’s midterm polls represent a 56% decrease compared to the 105 incidents recorded during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The 2023 figure marked a sharp increase from 27 incidents in the 2022 national elections.
“This decrease proves our commitment to fulfill the President’s desire for a democratic process free from fear, intimidation, and violence,” said Gen. Marbil.
He attributed the improvement to tight coordination between the PNP, COMELEC, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and strategic deployment to areas classified as hotspots or under the red category.
Top Regions by Election-Related Violence:
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): 13 incidents
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM): 8 incidents
Region IV-A (CALABARZON): 5 incidents
The PNP deployed around 163,000 officers nationwide to guard polling stations and checkpoints and support election officials. Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) spokesperson Ana Singson also noted a perceived improvement, stating that the 2025 elections appeared “a little more peaceful” than those in 2019 and 2022, pending final data.
This year’s election unfolded amid deep political division and rising national stakes. The 2025 polls are a litmus test for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership and a crucial chapter in the continuing feud between him and impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.
At stake were 12 Senate seats, crucial to Duterte’s survival in a potential impeachment trial later this year. The embattled vice president—accused of corruption and plotting the assassination of the president—needs at least nine senators to vote in her favor to avoid being permanently barred from office.
Adding fuel to the political tension, Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested earlier this year and turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his war on drugs.
While COMELEC and the PNP describe the elections as peaceful overall, the pockets of deadly violence underscore the persistent risks in Philippine elections, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas.
Still, the significant drop in validated ERIs compared to past cycles marks progress in election security—an achievement officials hope to build on for future national polls.
As the nation awaits final results and possible legal battles in the weeks ahead, authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and uphold democratic integrity.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
