By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental is fully prepared for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections in October.

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) will begin on Monday, August 28.

Provincial election supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria said all election officers in the province are ready to receive COCs.

During a command conference with Comelec, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade discussed the province’s security during elections, particularly the implementation of the gun ban.

The filing of COCs must conclude first before determining which officials will be qualified for the polls.

Comelec will carefully evaluate each candidate to identify possible political rivalries that could lead to election-related incidents.

Ananoria has also advised political aspirants against waiting until the last day of COC filing to avoid overcrowding at the venues.

He encouraged individuals to consult with their local election officers before filling out forms.

The COC filing will run until September 2, while the campaign period will be from October 19 to 28.

Election day will be on October 30.

Candidates must file their Statement of Contribution and Expenditures by November 29./DGB, WDJ