Close to 18,000 individuals in Bicol have registered as voters for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in October this year, the Commission on Elections in Region 5 (Comelec-5) said Thursday.

In a report, the Comelec said a total of 17,975 residents from the six provinces of Bicol have applied as first-time voters.

Camarines Sur recorded 6,027 registrants; Masbate – 4,943; Albay – 3,634; Sorsogon – 1,875; Camarines Norte – 863 and Catanduanes – 633.

Filipinos who are 15 to 17 years old may vote in the Sangguniang Kabataan polls. Those aged 18 to 30 years may cast their ballots for both the barangay and youth polls.

Voters aged 31 years old and above may participate in the barangay and national elections.

Meanwhile, Comelec-Bicol also continues its call for qualified individuals to register.

The voter registration period resumed nationwide on Dec. 12, 2022 and will run until Jan. 31, 2023.

Applications are accepted in all city/municipal Offices of Election Officers on Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PNA)