By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 24,387 Negrenses have submitted their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental said.

Data from Comelec-Negros Occidental showed 1,395 political aspirants are vying for the position of barangay captain in the province’s 660 barangays, while 3,915 individuals are running for barangay councilor.

Additionally, 1,485 individuals have filed their COCs for SK chairperson, and 8,140 have submitted COCs for SK councilor.

Provincial election supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria said a significant number of candidates filed their COCs in the past four days, expressing hope that there won’t be a last-minute rush today, September 2, the final day of filing.

Ananoria added that there were instances in other towns and cities in the province, aside from Bacolod City, where COC forms were declined due to candidates being overaged or unregistered voters.

The Comelec has instructed election officers to conduct surveys in their respective areas to monitor premature campaigning.

This will ensure that the Comelec regulations are adhered to not only by candidates but also by their supporters./DGB, WDJ