Army, politicians, groups vow to ensure peaceful polls in Samar

Army troops, politicians and civilian groups in Samar have vowed to work together to ensure an honest and peaceful election in the province.

A covenant for secured and fair election was signed by representatives of various sectors last Sunday in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Calbayog City.

The covenant was signed by Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, chief of the Army’s 8th division; Calbayog Archbishop Isabelo Abarquez; Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for operations Dir. Ager Ontog Jr.; Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, regional director of the Police Regional Office 8; Maria Corazon Montallana, provincial election supervisor; and candidates for the elective posts in Samar.

“A peaceful 2013 elections will be a very challenging task for all but with the help and cooperation of everyone, I am confident that together we will succeed,” Layug said.

Layug also thanked the Church and other sectors for supporting their campaign for peaceful polls and development. 

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who witnessed the signing of the covenant, said he hopes that the voice of the people would reign in the elections.

The signing of the covenant was capped by the symbolic releasing of white doves and balloons by local candidates, members of security forces and religious leaders.

Last week, the military and other stakeholders in Tarlac also vowed to ensure honest and orderly election in the province.

The initiative was led by the religious sector, the Commission on Elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the Philippine National Police and the military in Tarlac.

“The military and the police are very optimistic that the candidates and voters alike would see a safe conduct of election this year,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, chief of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said.

Brig. Gen. Mario Mendoza, deputy commander of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command, gave assurance that the military would remain apolitical during the elections.

Signatories of the covenant promised to respect and value life and the sovereign will of the voters. The candidates also vowed to avoid vote-buying activities, fraud, terrorism and other acts that violate the election code.