• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The election and gun ban period, in line with the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30 this year, will start from August 28 until November 29, Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria announced yesterday.
Ananoria said that the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), composed of the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police, as well as Philippines Coast Guard, will convene prior to the start of election period.
The RJSCC is also expected to deliberate the categorization of barangays which fall under Election Watchlist Areas (EWAs).
Ananoria stressed that the BSKE is “non- partisan,” stressing that political parties are not allowed to participate in the electoral process.
He also pointed out that mayors are not allowed to officially endorse a candidate for any barangay position, even as a party member.
On the other hand, Ananoria said that candidates may also download the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) from the Commission on Elections website.
But he said the duly accomplished COC will still be submitted to the respective local offices of the Comelec.
Ananoria clarified that only applications for gun ban exemption can be filed online.*
