A video captured the snatching of a folder that kept a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) in Himamaylan City, Province of Negros Occidental on October 8, 2024.

The video showed that an aspirant identified as Engr. Vicente Genova was already in the premises of Comelec Himamaylan City to file his COC for mayor when a man snatched the folder.

Genova was with his supporters when the incident happened.

The snatcher sported on a dark shirt and a cap, but his face was not covered fully.  

“Pumasok ako sa gate ng Comelec compound. May bigla na lang umagaw sa aking hinahawakang green folder. Sa gulat ko, in-attempt ko siyang sunggaban,” Genova said.

The incident happened at past 9 a.m.

A companion of the suspect tried to join in the brief scuffle but failed to get the folder. They fled the area.

Genova pursued the filing of his COC.

The incident is being investigated by the police and the Comelec, as of this writing.

“It was reported to me nang umaga ng election officer. I told him to conduct an investigation. Na-submit na namin sa regional office. They can always file a complaint,” Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial election supervisor of Comelec Negros Occidental, said.

“Ini-report sa atin. Imbestigahan natin. Tinitingnan nga natin kung ano pa yung mga possible motive. May coordination with Comelec,” Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Director, Police Colonel Rainerio de Chavez said.

Aside from the incident in Himamaylan City, no other untoward incidents were monitored in the province, according to Comelec.