23 of 36 bets sign peace covenant

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Twenty-three of the 36 candidates running for different elective posts in this city had signed a peace covenant for secured and fair May 13 midterm elections.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., director of the Police Regional Office-6, said the covenant signing conducted recently this week at Jaro Gym in Jaro district, Iloilo City was the first of a series to be done all over Western Visayas.

The PNP-initiated pledge signing was also witnessed by representatives from the Comelec, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the church sector and the media.

The signed peace covenant printed on a tarpaulin will be displayed at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. In other areas where there will also be a similar but separate covenant signing, the tarp will be put up in conspicuous places in those towns and cities.  

Cruz said the signing of the covenant, written in local dialects, will solicit the commitment of political candidates to play fair and avoid any act detrimental to the smooth conduct of the elections.

The signatories promise to act with justice and fairness towards their fellow candidates, as well as condemn any act that threatens, forces, or intimidates the public; with the vow not to employ private armed groups and other illegal means to advance their personal interests. (FREEMAN)