By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas kicked of the election period Sunday with a unity walk, an interfaith rally and the signing of a peace covenant for a peaceful and orderly polls on May 13.
The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas led a unity walk, interfaith rally, and peace covenant signing this morning, which aims to have a peaceful and orderly conduct of the midterm elections. (MAIKO MEDINO via TONETTE MARTICIO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Eastern Visayas police director, Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, sought the public's support in guarding the integrity of the elections.
He emphasized that they will be performing their duties as deputized by the Comelec, and strictly follow the orders of the PNP chief to keep the next six months safe, secure and orderly.
"Kami po ay nakikiusap na samahan niyo kami upang mapanatili nating maayos ang susunod na anim na buwan ng eleksyon. Sa loob po kasi ng anim na taon ng isang administrasyon ay ito 'yung pinakamahirap na trabaho ng PNP," he added.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros said the conduct of an election is not determined by the Comelec or the PNP, but by the candidates themselves.
"We are doing this covenant signing to show to the people that our future leaders are following the rules and regulations in this election," he told the candidates.
In Ormoc City, Mayor Richard Gomez said he asked all of his teammates to join the unity walk to show they are for a peaceful and credible elections.
Sr. Supt. Armel Gongona, Ormoc police chief, said the city’s unity rally had the most number of participants in the region.
Among those who attended were 2,000 teachers led by Department of Education Supt. Manuel Albaño, and barangay chairmen from 83 of the 110 barangays led by Liga ng Barangay President Esteban Laurente, and other government agencies and supporters.