MANILA, Philippines -- Four soldiers from the rebel group Magdalo announced on Monday that they would be filing their respective certificates of candidacy to run as independent candidates in next year’s elections.

According to the group, the Makati City court has given clearance to Gary Alejano and James Layug to file their CoCs in their respective areas.

Alejano, who would be running for mayor in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, left for his province last Friday, the group said.

Alejano was granted a five-day pass by the courts to go to his hometown.

Meanwhile, Layug, will file his candidacy in Taguig City on Wednesday. Layug will run for congressman in Taguig’s 2nd district.

Army Captain Dante Langkit was also allowed by the Armed Forces' general court martial to travel on November 25th to file his CoC in Kalinga province.

Former Air Force First Lieutenant Francisco Ashley Acedillo is also set to file his candidacy in Cebu City on November 27.

Langkit and Acedillo will be running as congressmen for the lone district of Kalinga province and 1st district of Cebu City, respectively.

All four candidates will be running as independents and as civilians, except for Langkit, who will automatically be considered as having resigned ipso facto from the military service upon filing his CoC, the group said.