Earlier on same day during the Davao Occidental PJSCC conference, the Provincial Comelec reported that there are a total of 3,566 BSKE candidates from the 105 barangays in the province, with 259 running for the punong barangay and 2,059 aspirants for Sangguniang Barangay.

There are a total of 276 candidates for the SK chair position, while there are 972 aspirants for the SK members.

The province has a total number of 272,384 registered voters, with 70,082 registered SK voters and 202,302 barangay or regular voters.

The Provincial Comelec also reported that the 134 polling centers have already been prepared for the upcoming elections.

The municipality of Sta. Maria has 25 polling centers, Malita has 50, Don Marcelino (18), Jose Abad Santos (29), and Sarangani (12).

As part of the electoral process and preparations, Alim said that all five municipalities have already withdrawn their election paraphernalia from the provincial hub, which are now secured at their respective municipal hub

Dr. Rommel Jandayan, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Davao Occidental, reported that there are 710 teachers who will be serving as members of the Electoral Boards (EBs).

There are 40 teachers who will function as DepEd Supervising Officials (DESO), while 30 will be part of the Barangay Board of Canvassers (BBOC).

“We have already identified the teachers and the non-teaching personnel who will be serving the election,” Dr. Jandayan said, adding that those serving in the elections are all ready to perform their duties as they been oriented and trained.

As to the peace and order situation prior the elections, Davao Occidental is reported to be enjoying a peaceful atmosphere with no threat groups monitored as Guerilla Front 72 has been dismantled.

Earlier, the PJSCC has issued Resolution No. 01-2023 declaring all 105 barangays in the province under the Election Area of Concern (EAC) Category Green, which means that they have no security concerns or are relatively peaceful and orderly.