First day of COC filing generally peaceful —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) was generally peaceful and orderly.

“Sa pangkalahatan po ay naging mapayapa at maayos naman po yung unang araw ng pagfi-file po ng certificate of candidacy (In general, the filing of COC was peaceful and orderly),” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo at a televised public briefing.

Fajardo, however, said that they have monitored one election-related incident in Libon, Albay.

“Bagamat sa atin pong record ay may isa lamang po tayong naitala na suspected election-related incident dyan po sa Libon, Albay (Although, we recorded one suspected election-related incident in Libon, Albay),” she added.

According to Fajardo, the incident happened in front of the house of a barangay captain.

Other reports on alleged election-related incidents have yet to be verified if they are really connected to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) this year added Fajardo.

With the start of the filing of COC, the PNP on Monday has also started the implementation of the three-month election gun ban in light of the security of the BSKE 2023.

"Checkpoints have been installed in different areas of the country, with members of the PNP together with the AFP to monitor and inspect, and to strictly implement the gun ban", PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

Under its Resolution 10918, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places; employing, availing, or engaging the services of security personnel and bodyguards; and transporting or delivering firearms and explosives, including its parts, ammunition, and/ or components.

Exempted from the gun ban are personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other members of law enforcement agencies.

The BSKE 2023 is set to be held  on October 30.