Ex-Navy exec files COC for special poll to replace Teves

Retired colonel Rey Lopez (left) files his Certificate of Candidacy for the third congressional district of Negros Oriental at the Commission on Elections’ provincial office in Dumaguete City on Tuesday, Nov. 7. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS-NEGROS ORIENTAL)

DUMAGUETE CITY — A retired colonel of the Philippine Navy is seeking a seat in Negros Oriental’s third congressional district.

Rey Lopez filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) Tuesday at the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) provincial office in Dumaguete City.

He was the first to file a COC for the position.

The poll body will hold a special election in the province’s third district to fill the vacancy left by Arnolfo Teves Jr., who was expelled by the House of Representatives for his continued absences and refusal to return to the country, and for being tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of former governor Degamo.

READ: Comelec mulls taking control of Negros Oriental district in special …

Degamo was murdered by assailants while attending to the needs of his constituents inside his residential compound in Pamplona town, Negros Oriental on March 4. Nine other persons were also killed during the attack.

Eleven suspects were arrested and earlier linked Teves to the killing of Degamo.

Many suspects recently recanted their confessions after they were provided with lawyers.

READ: Special election to replace Negros Oriental Rep. Teves set on Dec. 9

Teves, who is still outside the country, repeatedly denied the accusations.

Aspirants have until Saturday, Nov. 11, to file their COCs for the position of third district representative of Negros Oriental.