The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded a significant decrease in cases of election-related violent incidents (ERVI) this year compared to the last two national elections.

Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman, said that the period of comparison is the first 60 days since the election period took effect for the elections in 2004, 2007 and this year.

Quoting records from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), Espina said this year's ERVI is 221 percent lower compared to that in 2007 and 197 percent lower compared to 2004 polls.

PNP records revealed that 249 election–related violent incidents (ERVI) were reported during the 2004 national elections resulting the killing of 41 politicians and the wounding of 18 others.

During the 2007 elections, a total of 229 ERVI was reported wherein 37 politicians were killed and 24 others were wounded.

Since January 10 this year, police reported that only 16 candidates — from barangay captains to gubernatorial bets — were killed in the 28 cases of ERVI recorded. Three were reported injured while nine candidates survived the harassment unharmed. (Aaron Recuenco)