Security measures set for COC filing in 2024 – ICPO

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) announced Wednesday that security preparations for the upcoming filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2024 midterm elections are already in place.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has scheduled the COC filing from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8, 2024. COMELEC offices will accept COCs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends.

During a command conference, Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, instructed provincial and city police office directors to closely coordinate with their respective election officers and supervisors to plan the specific and appropriate deployment of personnel.

Wanky emphasized the need to tailor security measures to the specific conditions in each area to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Security measures to be implemented include increased police visibility in identified public places, checkpoints, intensified intelligence monitoring, and other police actions to prevent crimes.

Wanky also reminded police personnel not to let election preparations overshadow their ongoing anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs campaigns.

“In fact, we should intensify our anti-criminality efforts to foster a climate of peace in the region,” he said.

Additionally, Wanky urged personnel to always uphold the law with high respect for human rights and to perform their duties professionally.

He reiterated that police officers must remain non-partisan, as emphasized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy.

FILING VENUES

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has officially announced the schedule and venues for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections in Iloilo Province and Iloilo City.

Aspiring candidates can submit their COCs from October 1 to October 8, 2024, during regular office hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For candidates vying for positions in Iloilo Province, the designated filing venue is the VIP Lounge on the Ground Floor of Festive Walk Mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, those aiming for elective positions in Iloilo City should proceed to the 3rd Floor of Robinsons Place Iloilo Cinema on Quezon Street, Iloilo City.

Positions open for candidacy include:

• In Iloilo Province: Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts, Governor, Vice Governor, and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
• In Iloilo City: Member of the House of Representatives, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

COMELEC reminds candidates that pursuant to COMELEC Resolution 11045, the filing of the COC must be accompanied by the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), if applicable.

Both forms must be submitted in five (5) copies.

The official forms for filing the COC are now available for download on the COMELEC website at comelec.gov.ph.

Aspiring candidates are encouraged to coordinate with the designated COMELEC offices for pre-checks and further guidance.

Contact details for the respective COMELEC offices are as follows:

• COMELEC Iloilo Province: (033) 329 5124
• COMELEC Iloilo City: (033) 321 5852

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, this filing period marks a crucial step for prospective leaders who wish to serve the people of Iloilo Province and Iloilo City.

For more information and guidance on the filing process, visit the COMELEC website or scan the QR code provided in the advisory.