MANILA — The number of validated election-related incidents (ERIs) has increased to 74, with most cases logged in the Bangsamoro and Cordillera regions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a regular media briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said police recorded 23 ERIs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and 17 in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Most cases involved shootings, while others included explosions, mauling, alleged kidnapping with homicide, and other forms of harassment.

Meanwhile, the PNP also reported 43 cases of vote buying, 63 incidents of liquor ban violations, two incidents of money ban violations, and 3,145 arrests related to the gun ban, with the confiscation of 3,229 firearms.

Nonetheless, Tuaño said the national and local polls remained generally successful.

“Yes, there were some incidents, there were challenges and criticisms. But if you look at the bigger picture, the 2025 midterm election was generally successful. We achieved our goal – people were able to vote, the voice of the people was heard,” he said.

Police regional offices in Bangsamoro and Cordillera also reported that they were able to respond to incidents and ensure a “generally peaceful and orderly” election.

“The PRO BAR did not lower its heightened alert status and continued to intensify its security operations to maintain peace and order,” said Lt. Col. JP Ventura of the Bangsamoro regional police.

“The election in the Cordillera region is generally peaceful except [in] Abra where there were shootings and other incidents, but which were addressed properly by the security forces,” said Lt. Col. Carolina Lacuana of the Cordillera regional police.

“The situation in Abra was concerning, but not alarming because the incidents have been addressed,” she added.

20 killed in election-related incidents: PNP