MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--In line with the mission to secure free, safe, and credible national elections on May 9 this year, local candidates in this city and the province of Lanao del Sur signed Saturday, March 26, the Bangsamoro region's first-ever covenant to commit their involvement, especially in the kick-off of the campaign for peaceful voting.
Such a move was frontlined by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to extend the same goal to political bets here.
COMELEC chairperson Saidamen Balt Pangarungan underscored that it is through this endeavor that they will be able to convey how determined they are to live out the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which is to hold just elections.
“That is my marching order – to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful election. I will never allow anyone to undermine the people’s confidence in the forthcoming May 9 elections. Makakaasa kayo lahat ng kandidato na [Candidates are assured that] I am here to protect every single vote of the candidate in this coming election,” he said.
With the successful spearheading of the initiative, PLtGen. Jose Chiquito Malayo representing PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos commended the effort of the candidates who allotted time to partake in the endeavor.
We are happy to know that the candidates of Lanao del Sur are one in signing this peace covenant. It would mean that you have trust in our process, leaving it to the Commission on Elections, the PNP, and the AFP,” he said.
Malayo further assured that their people will be apolitical and neutral, and will maintain peace during the elections through enforcing the law and running against private armed groups so that people may freely cast their vote.
Meanwhile, AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino reaffirmed the commitment of the AFP in taking their responsibilities, vowing that they will remain impartial towards this year's national and local elections with all their resources employed.
Additionally, he urged candidates to strictly adhere to the law as they aspire in their respective bids.
“I implore all political candidates here in the province of Lanao del Sur and the region to respectfully abide by the lawful process of the election campaign and especially during the actual voting… Our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters have long been aspiring for honest and genuine governance in this region of Mindanao. Together, let us embody the true spirit and heart of a true Filipino patriot fueled by selfless love for our country, the Philippines,” he said.
Currently, the COMELEC is yet to release the number and names of particular places which are considered election hotspots. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)
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