PNP records only 15 election-related deaths

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 15 electionrelated deaths since the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election period began 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 were civilians while three were elected government officials, two were candidates, while two others, former government officials.

Bulalacao said 10 were wounded in the attacks.

“There were 55 perpetrators of the attacks but only 20 were identified. Three were arrested,” said Bulalacao.

Grab Philippines yesterday donated 100 body cameras to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim received the donations from Grab Philippines head Brian Cu at the agency’s headquarters in Makati.

Cu said that the body cameras will assist traffic enforcers do their work.

“Ito yung mga gamit na kailangang namin. This will go a very long way in terms of making a difference sa pagganap ng tungkulin ng ating mga traffic enforcers. Napakahalaga nito. (We need these body cameras. This will go a very long way in terms of making a difference in executing the work of traffic enforcers. They are very important),” Lim said.

The election period ended yesterday, 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 grudges 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, were 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 peaceful.

“Maraming, maraming salamat. Patuloy tayong magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng Metro Manila (I am very thankful [to Grab Philippines]. We will continue to help each other to improve Metro Manila).”

MMDA OIC general manager Jose Arturo Garcia said the cameras will help to apprehend hardheaded motorists who keep on violating traffic laws, stressing that using such a gadget will also show transparency.

“This will show transparency ng trabaho natin kasi may evidence ng apprehension through video recording. These cameras will serve as protection ng traffic enforcers and also of the motorists,” he said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA clarified that the donation will not in any way protect erring Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers under Grab should they commit any traffic violations.

“There is no such order. The donated body cameras will show transparency. These gadgets will somehow protect our traffic enforcers pag minumura, inaaway or sinasaktan sila. Sa motorists naman, they will have evidence pag nanghihingi ng bribe,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the body cameras will be utilized by traffic enforcers along EDSA and at chokepoint areas in the metropolis after undergoing training.

He said the agency hopes to procure more body cameras for other traffic enforcers. However, it cannot be easily done due to budget constraints.

Leo Emmanuel Gonzales, Grab Philippines Public Affairs head, expressed optimism that the body cameras would improve the MMDA’s traffic management in the metropolis.

“We are one with the MMDA. They need eyes on the road. They need to be visible during any apprehension or any part of their work para hindi masasabing may kalokohang nangyayari,” he said

The gadgets can be used all throughout the day as they have 10 to 12 hours battery life. Each body camera costs P9,000 each, Gonzales said.