DUMAGUETE CITY-The recent filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections in Negros Oriental concluded without any reported violent incidents:he recent filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections in Negros Oriental concluded without any reported violent incidents, according to local police authorities. The event, which took place from October 1 to 8, was closely monitored by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), ensuring a secure environment for political aspirants.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the NOPPO, highlighted the deployment of adequate police personnel across various Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices throughout the province. This strategic placement was aimed at maintaining peace and order during the week-long filing period. “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,” Polinar stated.
Although the COC filing process itself remained peaceful, NOPPO has not lowered its guard. Polinar revealed that the police are actively monitoring at least six individuals believed to be remnants of a previously identified private armed group. These suspects are not currently visible within the province but are thought to be in nearby areas. “They still have standing warrants of arrest for various crimes,” he added.
The intensification of the campaign against loose firearms and the ongoing surveillance of these armed groups form part of NOPPO’s broader strategy to ensure safety during the electoral process. This proactive stance is in preparation for the upcoming elections once the Comelec releases the official list of candidates.
Complementing the efforts of the NOPPO, Lionel Marco Castillano, the Comelec director for the Negros Island Region, expressed gratitude towards the police for their role in safeguarding the filing process. Castillano also noted that
there were no disturbances reported in the neighboring provinces of Siquijor and Negros Occidental, which are also part of the NIR.