The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will implement stricter security measures in Cotabato City for the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE).
In a press statement by the Bangsamoro Information Office, Maguindanao del Norte Election Officer Mohammad Nabil Mutia was quoted as saying that the tighter measures are part of their broader effort to maintain a peaceful and orderly filing of COCs on October 1 to October 8.
“Lahat po ng kayang humanly possible [security measures] na pwedeng gawing preparation ay ginagawa na namin—just to make sure na maging peaceful and orderly filing of COC and even up to the election day,” said Mutia in a joint press conference with the Cotabato City Comelec and Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.
(We have exhausted all humanly possible security measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly filing of COC even up to the election day.)
“Napagkaisahan po nating ma-implement ang mga security measures for the safety of the aspiring candidates, employees, and the perimeter of the BGC (Bangsamoro Government Center), and secure the venue where candidates file their COC,” he said.
(All of us agreed to implement these security measures for the safety of the aspiring candidates, employees, and the perimeter of the BGC and secure the venue where candidates file their COC.)
Aspiring candidates for Cotabato City will file their COCs at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex while those vying for positions in Maguindanao del Norte will file at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor. Both are inside the BGC.
Up for grabs in Cotabato City are positions for mayor, vice mayor, and city councilors, while candidates for Maguindanao will vie for governor, vice governor, and members of the House of Representatives.
The following will be implemented within and outside the BGC:
- Temporary closure of Gov. Gutierez Avenue to BGC;
- Rerouting of Public Utility Jeepneys and private vehicle to ND Village and adjacent;
- Strictly only one (1) vehicle each candidate will be allowed to enter the BGC;
- Strictly no firearms allowed inside the BGC;
- Along Governor Gutierez, supporters/others in the convoy will not be allowed to enter;
- Employees of BARMM with private vehicle/s will use the back gate while employees and walk-in client/s who will be affected by the rerouting will be fetched through the BARMM coaster along ND Village corner Malagapas access road;
- Out-patient for medical check-ups at Polymedic will be fetched by the RMDU ambulance.
Re-routing schemes will likewise be implemented as Gov. Gutierez Avenue will be closed to public transportation.
The filing for COCs for the 2025 NLE will start from October 1 to October 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, the filing period for the Bangsamoro polls will be from November 4 to November 9. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News
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