THE DEPARTMENT of Interior Local Government (DILG XI) reminded candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully in the lead-up to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections this coming October.
Speaking at the AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Aug. 23, DILG XI regional director Alex Rodan said they met with the barangay officials to advise them against bringing firearms during the election period.
“We are still monitoring to dismantle private armed groups in the area, if there is really. But so far, there is no [private armed group] likely here in Davao region unlike in other areas,” Roldan said.
Historically, Davao Region almost always holds elections without violence, he said.
Meanwhile, he revealed that there are five barangay chairpersons in the region facing corruption cases. However, they might likely run against this coming October election or until they are proven guilty.
Earlier, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) XI reminded aspiring public officials of the rules and regulations for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Oct. 30.
Ahead of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2, Comelec XI assistant regional director and spokesperson Gay Enumerables said the basic qualifications remain the same: aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.
The election period and gun ban will begin on Aug. 28 and will last until Nov. 29, which is also the last day for all candidates in filing the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
The Commission then warned against campaigning outside of the designated campaign period from Oct. 19-28. Meanwhile, a liquor ban will also be imposed from Oct. 29 until the election day on Oct. 30.
