THE Paglaum-PaDayn Pilipino candidates, led by incumbent Talisayan Mayor Rico Taray, filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) at 1:00 pm yesterday, October 1, accompanied by a large crowd of around 2,000 supporters, including provincial leaders Governor Peter Unabia, Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez, and Congressman Christian Unabia.

Taray, seeking a second term, was joined by his vice mayoral running mate, Councilor Gremer Ramoga. Vice Mayor Rommel Maslog, meanwhile, is running for a provincial board seat.

Taray narrowly won his first term in 2022 by just 33 votes against former councilor Ceriaco Talines, and a rematch is expected in the 2025 election.

DANCING GUV. Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia playfully jumps for the camera during the march of local candidates in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental on October 1, as they made their way from the church to the Commission on Elections office. Photo by Edwin Iyo

Confident in securing another victory, Taray cited stronger local support and the inclusion of three incumbent councilors, previously unaffiliated with his campaign.

“Kampati ako karon nga election nga modaog gihapon,” Taray said.

In nearby Sugbongcogon, Board Member Michele Anayron and incumbent Vice Mayor Ivan Chester ‘Duds’ Lagbas also filed their COCs for mayor and vice mayor, respectively, under the same political alliance. Other Paglaum-PaDayn candidates in Kinoguitan and Magsaysay similarly filed their COCs.

As of press time, no candidates from the group of Kinoguitan Mayor Danilo Lagbas, Jr. have filed their COCs. Mayor Lagbas previously expressed interest in running for governor of Misamis Oriental.