No ‘significant incident’ that disrupted COC filing nationwide — PNP

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. Image from PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said there was no “significant incident” that disrupted the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) nationwide, saying the eight-day filing was “generally peaceful.”

“We attribute this to the preparations made by our unit commanders and the hard work of our personnel on the ground,” Eleazar said in a statement.

However, there were some election-related incidents reported nationwide, according to PNP.

A commotion was reported inside the Commission on Elections  (Comelec) office in Taraka, Lanao del Sur on Thursday.

A certain Johari Cumadog, who filed his COC, caused commotion for allegedly smashing chairs and harassing some local Comelec officials but local police subdued him.

Cumadog was charged with direct assault, alarm and scandal, and malicious mischief.

Two individuals were also arrested for alleged violation of the Comelec-imposed gun ban from September 30 until 7 a.m. of October 9.

The arrested individuals were identified as Cesar Cometa Bukid who was nabbed in Lucena City for alleged possession of a caliber.45 pistol as well as a certain Glenn Montarde in Marikina City who allegedly had a 9mm pistol in his possession.

Meanwhile, Eleazar also noted that some supporters of political aspirants have failed to follow the health and safety protocols being enforced during the filing of COCs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ: PNP to 2022 poll bets, supporters: Ditch festivities during COC filing 

“Every election, we always hear calls for change, but nothing will change even if we elect new leaders because the real change will begin in ourselves, and will be realized through our discipline,” Eleazar said.