Manila: Except for minor glitches in counting machines and shooting incidents, the 2025 midterm elections are generally peaceful and orderly, Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Monday. “It’s very peaceful. But all our policemen on the grounds remain on guard, they continue to make arrests. My instruction is to arrest all those who would dare to create trouble,” Marbil said in a media briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, he said the 163,000 policemen, backed by over 200,000 personnel from other law enforcement agencies, will continue to be on watch until the canvassing of votes is completed. “We don’t see any problem right now, but we will be monitoring the accounting after the election by 7 p.m. But I said we need more forces by 6 p.m. We want full force by 6 p.m. up to 12 o’clock for the counting (of votes),” he said.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said technical glitches and power interruptions were reported in some parts of Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and the Cordillera Administrative Region have been resolved. Marbil said the PNP’s intensified operations do not end after the voting process, saying another crucial part of the polls is the canvassing of votes.

As of 4 p.m. on Monday, the PNP reported that four people died while 12 others were injured in gun attacks and other violence in some parts of the country. The PNP has also so far arrested 221 people for violating the liquor ban, and 19 people for vote-buying and selling.