MisOcc gathers local candidates for peace covenant signing

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Misamis Occidental spearheaded the covenant signing, interfaith prayer and unity walk for a safe national and local elections.

A number of local candidates joined the activity including incumbent provincial governor Philip Tan, running for vice governors Richard Centino and Alfredo Conol, running for House of Representatives 1st District Reynaldo Yap, running for Sangguniang Panlalawigan 2nd District, Marlon Anuada Jr., Francisco Candia, Dominador Elemento, Grethel Gomez, Nida Lee and running for House of Representatives 2nd District Jennifer Tan.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Pablio Benitez Jr., shared that the peace covenant signing, unity walk, interfaith prayer, signal the start of season for elections. “It’s good to start this with prayer,” he said.

“If we follow the rules and laws, we could never go wrong,” he added.

Meanwhile, PCol Benidicto Pintor, PNP region 10 shared the activity is to ensure the goal for a peaceful, orderly national and local election and cited the importance of sincerity of the participants, otherwise, the peace covenant will be meaningless.

Further, COMELEC regional director Atty Francisco Pobe shared, “We need to update the level of politics. We are not in the mode of backstabbing anymore. We are sealing the goodwill in ourselves, of what is good for the community.”

The activity started with a unity walk around the provincial capitol, followed by an interfaith prayer, updates on peace and order by the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), COMELEC briefing on pertinent resolution, reading of peace covenant with the candidates and covenant signing.

Lastly, candidates released doves as a symbol of a free election. (JMORucat/PIA10)