BACOLOD City – A total of 238 candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental ran unopposed and were declared “sure winners” after polling precincts closed around 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30.
Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Negros Occidental data showed that 71 barangay captains, 16 barangay kagawads, 41 SK chairpersons, and 110 SK kagawads ran unopposed.
In Bacolod City, six candidates for barangay captains were also sure winners: Hercy Sibug of Barangay 7, Anthony Jose Loth Alfredo Ayco (Barangay 15), Lope Ledesma (Barangay 24), Joseph Anthony Ortillo (Barangay 25), Jan Nico Yap (Barangay 32), and Jomarie Biasca (Barangay 31).
Also with no rivals were SK chairperson candidates in barangays 24, 36, and 37, and SK kagawad bets in barangays 25 and 34.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental received affidavits from complainants on alleged vote-buying incidents in the province’s 3rd and 4th districts.
Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, the provincial election supervisor of Comelec-Negros Occidental, said they are still verifying the reports.
‘Generally Peaceful’
The BSKE in this city was overall peaceful, according to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Brillo, the BCPO deputy director for administration, said there were no election-related incidents recorded.
He said they owe the success of the elections to their careful planning and coordination with other law enforcement groups and government agencies.
Atty. Kathrina Trinio-Caña, Comelec-Bacolod City election supervisor, concurred with the BCPO’s statement, pointing out that no major incidents were recorded during last Monday’s polls.
However, Caña confirmed they also received reports of vote-buying all over the city.
As of this writing, Comelec-Bacolod City was verifying the complaints and assured the public that they would investigate the incidents. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
