THE number of individuals killed in election related incidents still on the rise with a few days left before the official start of the campaign period for local candidates, police figures said on Wednesday.
Figures from the PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management (DIDM) said at least 34 persons have been killed and 26 were wounded in 52 election-related incidents (ERIs) recorded since the election period began on January 13, 2013.
The figures said that of the 34 persons killed in 52 ERIs, majority of them are local officials with 17 village councillors; 10 village chairmen; one municipal mayor; one vice-mayor; one government official; one candidate and three supporters.
The figures added that of the 26 persons wounded, 14 of them are supporters; six village councillors; four village chairmen; one mayor and one government official.
The PNP figures added that since the election period started it has recorded a total of 52 ERIs consisting of 39 shooting incidents; five strafing; three stabbing; one grenade throwing and four others.
Of the 52 ERIs recorded by the PNP since the election period took effect last January, only 10 have been referred to the prosecutor’s office for filing of appropriate cases while the rest still remain under investigation, figures said.