Manila, March 19 -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday called for additional security measures to put an end to election-related violence in the Maguindanao provinces ahead of this year's midterm polls.

This is in the wake of several gun-related incidents in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and other areas in the past weeks, which security experts said could be part of intimidation and other attempts to control election results.

Aside from security interventions, Marbil said other strategies, such as a peace covenant among local candidates, are essential in preserving peace and order in these areas.

"The peace covenant is more than just a symbolic gesture - it is a solemn commitm...