Oriental Negros Commission on Elections supervisor Eddie Aba yesterday said an extension in the registration of voters would only prejudice other activities of the COMELEC.

These include the filing of candidacy period, which starts January 15, he said.

Aba said his office is pressed with requests for an extension of registration by voters, but the COMELEC cannot be blamed if they cannot vote in this year's elections because the continuing registration program had started as early as July 2006.

He instructed field officers of the COMELEC, though, to gather all late applications and place them on file.

He said the fate of these voters will depend on the decision of the COMELEC Central Office.

Aba had earlier said they expect an increase of 5 percent in the number of new voters in the province.

There were 606,480 registered voters in the May 10, 2004 elections in Oriental Negros with a 65 percent turnout.

Meanwhile, Aba said law enforcement authorities are closely coordinating with his office in the implementation of the gun ban. Even civilians who have permits to carry firearms are not exempted from the gun ban starting Jan.14, he said.

Bearing and carrying of weapons may be authorized only by the COMELEC in writing to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Aba said.

Suspension of elective local officials, transfer of officers and employees in the civil service are also strictly prohibited starting Jan. 14.

Filing of certificates of candidacy also starts on January 15 for candidates for senator, congressman and local posts.*JG/RG

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