The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on the public to avoid violence and keep the conduct of the 2022 general elections peaceful.
The poll body made the statement after President Duterte warned that he will not hesitate to tap the military to ensure violence-free elections.
“The President’s call for peaceful elections is a powerful reminder to all would-be candidates and their campaigns, to reject violence. The Comelec shares the President’s sentiment,” said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Jimenez said that the Comelec is closely coordinating with authorities to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in 2022.
“ would like to reassure the public that it works very closely with both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to ensure that the elections are free of violence,” said Jimenez.
“It should also be noted that, in those instances where violent incidents threaten the integrity of the elections, the poll body has the authority to take such steps as may be necessary to address the situation, including but not limited to the imposition of Comelec control on specific parts of the country,” he added.
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