Philippine midterm election starts

The Philippine midterm elections commenced at polling locations across the country early on Monday morning. The Commission on Elections said the opening of polling precincts has been smooth so far. The 2013 midterm election on Monday will elect 18,000 government officials at different levels including 12 senators, 233 district members of the House of Representatives, 80 provincial governors and vice provincial governors respectively, 58 Party-list Representatives and etc. Police and the military have increased reinforcement and on high alert for possible election-related violence. Election in the Philippines have long been marred by violence. Fierce political rivalries often led to killings during elections, especially in the provinces. More than 50 deaths in 60 cases have been reported before this year\'s election.