BY JEN BAYLON
Candidates vying for local positions in Negros Occidental for the May 12 midterm elections convened for a peace covenant signing yesterday, reinforcing their commitment to clean and peaceful elections.
The signing was held at the Kanlaon Hall of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) headquarters.
It was led by NOCPPO director, Colonel Rainerio de Chavez; 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog; Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Negros Occidental Commander Jan Terazona; Fatima Daiz from the Department of the Interior and Local Government; and provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria.
The aspirants vowed to respect election laws and regulations imposed by the Commission on Elections; engage in fair campaigning by focusing on platforms and avoiding personal attacks; and ensure clean elections by rejecting vote-buying, fraud and intimidation.
De Chavez emphasized the significance of the peace covenant, which symbolizes collaboration among all stakeholders.
“This signifies our united stand against electoral violence and misconduct. By signing today, we acknowledge that every candidate and supporter plays an important role in promoting a safe atmosphere where ideas flourish and respect reigns,” De Chavez said.
With this formal commitment, local election aspirants aim to set a tone for a peaceful electoral season, ensuring that every voter’s right is respected and upheld.
De Chavez said the peace covenant signing is part of a broader initiative that includes ongoing discussions about security measures and contingency plans to address potential emergencies during the election period.
He reassured the Negrenses that despite challenges, the NOCPPO remains dedicated to ensuring election security and integrity.
Meanwhile, Dumosmog assured that the 303rd Infantry Brigade would commit to securing a peaceful election.
“We will continue to protect. We will continue to track down all those who would disrupt this coming election,” he said.
He noted that they have sufficient personnel to respond should Kanlaon Volcano erupt again.
“Of course, we need the help of the local government units and other sectors, especially the Office of Civil Defense, with regard to the evaluation of our affected communities,” Dumosmog said.
“As of now, we have 29 evacuation centers, comprising around 24,000 individuals and around 7,500 families. In a major eruption, it would entail about 75,000 individuals,” he said.
“We are hoping that there will be no major eruption of Kanlaon,” he added.
The covenant signing underscores the collective effort towards ensuring a safe electoral environment in Negros Occidental as candidates prepare for the upcoming elections.
Before the signing, local candidates took an oath, pledging to uphold peace and integrity throughout the electoral process.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was unable to attend due to prior commitments in Metro Manila.
Gubernatorial candidate Ferdenand Diego was present at the event, alongside Rosemarie Dreyfus, who is running for vice governor.
Several congressional candidates also participated, including Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez (running for Negros Occidental 3rd district representative), Engineer Lea Delfinado (4th District), and Congressman Emilio Yulo (5th District).
For board member positions, attendees included Board Member Pal Guanzon and Sagay City Councilor Arthur Marañon (running for 2nd district board member), along with Hope Marey Sazon (3rd district).
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Patricia Paula Alonso Valderrama and Leo Carlo Delfinado signed the covenant, while Councilor Aly Tongson, Jr. represented 5th District.
Last week, several candidates in five local government units in the province participated in separate covenant signing activities hosted by their respective police offices and stations./JB, WDJ