BACOLOD CITY – Candidates and government agencies in Negros Occidental have signed a covenant for a peaceful, honest, and orderly midterm elections.

CANDIDATES, along with police, military, and other government agencies, release white balloons on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) headquarters in Bacolod City symbolizing their commitment to a peaceful and orderly May 12 midterm election. (Glazyl Masculino)
Thirteen out of 41 candidates signed the covenant at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office here on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Police Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental police director, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and integrity throughout the election process.
He described the covenant as a collective commitment to safeguarding every voter’s right and ensuring a safe, respectful environment.
De Chavez urged candidates and their supporters to run campaigns with honesty and focus on healthy, respectful discussions that prioritize the community’s welfare.
He called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to uphold electoral regulations to ensure fairness and transparency and reinforce the importance of building public trust.
De Chavez reassured candidates that they would remain dedicated to ensuring a secure election process amid the possible eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial election supervisor, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful elections that he said are the cornerstone of democracy and must be free from violence and fraud.
He urged campaigns to be grounded in integrity and focus on issues that matter most to the people.
Col. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, said that political stability and security would not only ensure a successful election but would also attract development and investments to the region. They pledged secure the electorate and election personnel.
Commander Jan Terazona, head of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in northern Negros Occidental, assured that they would facilitate the safe transport of election materials and protect vulnerable areas, including coastal barangays.
Maria Fatima Daiz, Local Government Operations Officer VII, representing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said that law enforcement should provide safety, not intimidation.
She stressed the importance of protecting the sanctity of the vote and encouraged the public to report any election-related issues.
The event concluded with the release of white balloons, symbolizing unity and a commitment to a peaceful, fair, and orderly election.