"I understand that our local politicians here are peaceful individuals. But their commitment for an orderly and peaceful elections is a must," Franco said.
He added that by signing a peace covenant, under the direction of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the peaceful conduct of elections in the northern metropolis will be assured.
Franco noted that although there is no election hot spot in the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area, at least three cities are considered as "hotly contested" areas.
"I don’t think our local politicians would resort to violence, but we want to ensure peace and order for these people belonged mostly to prominent families," Franco pointed out.
In Caloocan, at least four big names in the local political arena are competing for the city’s mayoral post. They are Gigi Malonzo, wife of incumbent Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo, former Mayor Macario Asistio, Rep. Edgar Erice (second district) and first district Rep. Enrico Echiverri.
On the other hand, in Malabon City, Jeannie Sandoval, wife of Malabon-Navotas Rep. Ricky Sandoval and retired police major Tito Oreta, a scion of the Oreta clan and a construction magnate, are challenging acting Mayor Mark Allan Jay Yambao for the city’s top post.
In Valenzuela City, prominent businessmen and politicians, Rep. Magi Gunigundo and Rep. Sherwin Gatchallian are out to contest the city’s highest post with the wife of incumbent Mayor Jose Emmanuel Carlos, Rita Carlos.
Meanwhile, in Navotas, businessman Salvador Monroy, also a renowned name in the town’s local politics is challenging Mayor Toby Tiangco.
Franco assured that the NPD is coming up with all possible measures to maintain a peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in Camanava.