'Peace tayo ha': BARMM, Sulu local bets sign covenant for honest, orderly polls

Political candidates for the May 12 midterm polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have committed to promoting honest and peaceful elections amid the spate of violence in the past weeks.
Police Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, commander of the Area Police Command in Western Mindanao (APC-WM), said the signing of the peace covenants among local candidates in Zamboanga City on April 3 was good start in maintaining peace and order in the region on the remaining days leading to the May 12 midterm elections.
“We appreciate their presence in this meaningful activity which underscored the importance of prayer, cooperation and collaboration between and among security forces and political leaders in promoting a peaceful, orderly, and non-violent elections,” said Banac who also the concurrent commander of Special Task Force BARMM
He expressed optimism that the activity will lead to ensuring electoral integrity, and fostering unity ahead of the elections.
Aside from top police officials led by Banac and Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Administrative Region director Brig. Romeo Macapaz, also present were lawyer Ray F Sumalipao, director of the BARMM ‘s Commission on Elections; Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II representing the military’s Western Mindanao Command; and Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, commander of the Coast Guard Western Mindanao District.
The activity was participated in by the political candidates of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Bless Our Cops Movement and other stakeholders.
The regional election officer of the Comelec in Region 9, lawyer Renault Macarambon and Police Regional Office 9 director, Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo were present since Sulu is now under Region 9.
Banac said the event aims to promote a commitment to non-violence during the election period.
He said the activity also encourages support for the electoral process, foster unity and cooperation among political stakeholders, and advocate for a peaceful campaign across the Bangsamoro Region and Sulu.
“The Candidates Forum provided an opportunity for the Bangsamoro political candidates to discuss their platforms while emphasizing their shared commitment to maintaining peace throughout the election period,” said Banac.
“The manifestation of their shared commitment was reinforced by the signing of a Peace Covenant, where candidates pledged to uphold non-violence, respect the democratic process, and engage in fair and transparent elections,” he added.