Comelec-7 gets new head; Castillano moved to NIR
CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Election (Comelec) has started making changes effective yesterday, July 1, 2024, following the re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
Changes include the reshuffling of Comelec’s heads for the region, including the appointment of lawyer Francisco Pobe as Comelec-7's new chief. Pobe was the director of Comelec-CARAGA region prior the transfer.
Omar Mamalinta, who remains Comelec-7’s focal person, told The Freeman that starting yesterday, Negros and Siquijor is no longer under their supervision.
“Separate na ang Negros Oriental and Siquijor starting today (July 1),” Mamalinta said, adding that what remains under Comelec-7 are Cebu and Bohol.
“Pabilin na lang si Cebu and Bohol. Atong reportorial requirements kato na lang duha (Cebu and Bohol),” he added.
Although the two provinces are now separated, Mamalinta said such change is “negligible”.
“Kon imong tan-awn negligible siya kay ang dako gyud is Cebu and Bohol. Bisan pag kuhaon nas ubang region, okay ra gihapon ta,” Mamalinta stressed.
Even as the NIR is not yet fully operational, Mamalinta said it is important for Comelec to establish offices and officers ahead of time.
With Atty. Pobe taking charge of Comelec-7, he will replace Regional Election Director lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, who is now NIR’s head.
Together with Castillano in NIR will be lawyer Dindo Maglasang from the Western Visayas’ Election and Barangay Affairs Department as acting ARED; and Manapla, Negros Occidental’s Election Officer Atty.Claudine Joyce Ballesteros as concurrent acting Regional Election attorney.
Pobe, for his part, will be replaced by the acting Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Cebu Edwin Cadungog, while the latter will be replaced by lawyer Marchel Sarno, who was the Election Officer of the First District of Cebu City.
Sarno will be replaced by Ambongan Abilar while lawyer Ferdinand Gujilde will remain as regional election attorney in the region and concurrent acting election officer for the Second District of Cebu City. — (FREEMAN)
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