SURIGAO CITY – All mayoral candidates in Surigao del Norte pledged their support and cooperation to ensure an honest, clean, orderly, peaceful and credible elections on May 9.
Surigao del Norte is composed of 20 municipalities and one component city organized in two legislative districts.
Before top military and police officers and officials from the Commission on Election (Comelec), 20 mayoral and city candidates, 10 of whom are incumbent, showed their commitment by affixing their signatures in a covenant, and pledged an oath of integrity during a meeting at the headquarters of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade on Tuesday, April 26.
The activity was initiated by Atty. Riza Ann Donalyn Culima-Constantino, Provincial Election Supervisor of Surigao del Norte. Atty. Culima-Constantino became chairman of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) with Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, commanding general of the Army’s 901st Brigade, and Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Director Col. Renato C. Mercado, as vice chairmen.
During the discussion, the initiators of the said activity also assured that they will abide by all existing laws, in relation to the election laws, rules and regulations.
“We are always ready to address any election-related issues that may arise, our goal is zero violence and together with the AFP and PNP, we will enforce the election laws judiciously,” said Atty. Culima-Constantino.
“We hold this meeting here at the Brigade headquarters for we deemed it as neutral ground for all of you to have a formal dialogue with us from the AFP and the PNP and especially with the Comelec to address whatever issues that may arise in your respective areas,” said Brig. Gen. Banzon.
“We will adhere to the constitutional mandate of the AFP as a non-partisan organization,” stressed the 901st Brigade Commander.
Gen. Banzon also emphasized to the candidates not to give in to the demands of the New People’s Army (NPA) such as Permit to Campaign and Permit to Win or anything that will support their cause.
“We will continue to chase them giving no room to interfere in the peaceful conduct of this year’s election,” he said.
“To the lawless elements who will resort to violence that might disrupt the peace and order prior, during and after the election, we will use the full force of the law to go after you,” warned BrigGen Banzon in his concluding statement.