Some aspirants in the Ilocos Region have withdrawn their candidacies for the 2025 midterm elections without providing explanations, according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

COMELEC said aspirants can withdraw up until election day.

Substitutions due to death, incapacity, or disqualification will be allowed until noon on May 12, 2025.

To help voters prepare, the official list of candidates will be posted soon.

“I-inform ang public kung sino-sino na ang mga kandidato, ‘yun na rin ang ilalagay sa official ballots natin,” Atty. Reddy Balarbar, COMELEC Assistant Regional Election Director for Region 1, said.

SAFE ELECTIONS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues its crackdown on loose firearms to ensure a safe and orderly election.

Their focus includes unlicensed firearms and individuals involved in the illegal firearm trade.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang focus law operation natin sa loose firearms, pinapakita natin na seryoso tayo kontra loose firearms,” PCOL Rollyfer Capoquian, Pangasinan Provincial Police Director, said.

In La Union, over 440 firearms have already been surrendered.

The PNP said loose firearms pose significant threats to public safety and the integrity of the electoral process.

The police are coordinating with the Regional Civil Security Unit 1 to ensure gun owners comply with licensing regulations across the province.