Two pensioners were killed and 14 more people were injured in a stampede at a poll watcher orientation in the Philippines.

The locals battled to enter a hotel where food and transportation allowances were being handed out to election volunteers in Zamboanga City in the Zamboanga Peninsula, on May 9.

Shocking footage shows frenzied poll watchers squeezing through the doors of the building.

Terrified shrieking was heard as several pensioners were caught in the chaos, with several women being dragged out from the crush of bodies.

Police arrived to disperse the crowd and rush the injured to the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Two senior citizens, identified by officials as Adelardo Solamillo, 65, and Norma Anuddin, 80, were killed.

Colonel Fidel Fortaleza, chief of the Zamboanga City police, said both died after suffering breathing difficulties and collapsing.

Zamboanga City Hall spokesman Liza Jocson said in a statement: 'What was supposed to be a well-planned and orderly activity went wrong when thousands of people unexpectedly showed up at the venue, which can only hold a limited number of participants.'

However, former congressman Celso Lobregat claimed there was illegal vote buying at the event.

He said: 'What happened was a mockery of the election process. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that distribution of money is prohibited starting May 2. Why were there too many people if the event was intended only for orientation and distribution of food and transportation allowance of poll watchers?'

Election officer Jan Christian Babiera said Comelec was investigating the incident after receiving reports of alleged vote buying.

He said: 'In the event that vote buying is proven, that would of course be an election offense. If it is also proven that a particular candidate is behind it, of course, this can also be for disqualification later on.'

Vote buying is prevalent in the Philippines, where candidates offer money, goods, or services to the electorate in exchange for their votes. Politicians often target poorer and uneducated communities.

Despite being illegal, the practice remains rampant due to weak enforcement and deeply embedded corruption.