Day one of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the October 28 barangay polls went smoothly yesterday.
Police officials hope the orderly situation continues even as 44 areas were recommended for close monitoring as election watchlist areas (Ewas).
The list includes 11 barangays in Cebu province, one in Lapu-lapu City, 28 in Negros Oriental, one in Bohol and the rest in Siquijor province, said Supt. Paul Labra II, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division.
This means extra policemen will be deployed there two days before the barangay elections, Labra said.
No Cebu City barangay was included in the list, although nine areas are considered areas of concern, said Supt. Reycel Carmelo Dayon, deputy city director for operation.
The police are also monitoring “potential private armed groups” in Bogo City and Balamban and Ronda towns.
The Commission on Election (Comelec) has the mandate to declare a barangay under Ewas based on recommendations of the Police Regional Office 7.
The 44 localities in the list are only the initial recommendation. Changes may be made as election day nears.
Meanwhile, the mayors of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue cities vowed to distance themselves from the campaign.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Mayor Paz Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City said they would not campaign for any candidate nor attend gatherings related to the barangay polls.
Cortes said he may attend an event with incumbent barangay officials seeking re-election but he would not endorse them before a crowd. Radaza said she would leave the decision to the voters because she is willing to work with anyone.
Loloy Villarampa of the Comelec office in Mandaue City said some candidates who filed their certificates lacked requirements such as documentary stamps and were asked to return.
Comelec offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the fiilng of COCs. /Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos And Correspondent Chito O. Aragon