COC filing generally peaceful; armed ‘goons’ monitored in NegOr

Not a single violent incident was reported in Negros Oriental during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections from Oct. 1 to 8, the police said. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), however, said they are monitoring at least six remnants of a private armed group believed to be still active in the province. The NOPPO's assessment came shortly after the filing period that ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Polinar said they have deployed enough police personnel to the various offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) across the province since the start of the filing period to ensure public safety. 'During the first day of the filing, we expected just a few filers but we also anticipated that on the last day, many aspirants would flock to the Comelec offices to submit their COCs,' he said. He added that they would conduct an assessment once the Comelec releases the official list of candidates in preparation for next year 's elections. Polinar said the NOPPO is intensifying its campaign against loose firearms while monitoring the presence of armed groups. According to him, at least six members of a private armed group that was previously identified are no longer 'visible.' However, based on intelligence reports, they are still in nearby provinces. These individuals have standing warrants of arrest for various crimes. Meanwhile, lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec - Negros Island Region director, thanked the police for ensuring a safe and peaceful filing of COCs in Negros Oriental. Castillano also said his office has not received reports of incidents that marred the COC filing in the provinces of Siquijor and Negros Occidental, which form part of the NIR. Source: Philippines News Agency