Man Caught on Camera Trying to Snatch Aspirant’s COC in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
A man was caught on video snatching a folder containing a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
On October 8, 2024 (Tuesday), the victim identified as Engr. Vicente Genova was about to file his COC for mayor at the local Comelec office when the sudden theft happened. Genova, accompanied by his supporters, was just about to submit his COC when a man wearing a dark shirt and a cap approached and grabbed the green folder from his hands.
Despite being taken by surprise, Genova immediately attempted to recover the folder, briefly scuffling with the suspect. Another individual tried to assist the snatcher but was unsuccessful. Both men quickly escaped.
“Pumasok ako sa gate ng Comelec compound. May bigla na lang umagaw sa aking hinahawakang green folder. Sa gulat ko, in-attempt ko siyang sunggaban,” Genova said.
The aspirant managed to proceed with his filing despite the incident. The incident took place around 9 a.m., and is now under investigation by both the police and the Comelec.
Provincial election supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria confirmed that the matter had been reported to him and that an official investigation is underway. The Comelec regional office has also been notified, and further actions, including the potential filing of a complaint, are being considered.
“It was reported to me nang umaga ng election officer. I told him to conduct an investigation. Na-submit na namin sa regional office. They can always file a complaint,” Ananoria said.
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Director, Police Colonel Rainerio de Chavez, added that they are coordinating closely with the Comelec to determine the possible motives behind the incident.
“Ini-report sa atin. Imbestigahan natin. Tinitingnan nga natin kung ano pa yung mga possible motive. May coordination with Comelec,” Chavez noted.
As of this writing, no other similar occurrences have been reported within the province.
In another post, a taxi driver in Cebu City files COC for council seat
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