Candle-lighting for safe, honest elections. Contributed photo
CABANATUAN CITY – Police and various stakeholders have called on the people to be one in pursuing a successful national and local elections as they launched a drive at the provincial police compound here Thursday.
Called “Kawani, Simbahan at Sambayanan for Secure, Accurate and Fair Elections 2022 (Kasimbayanan for SAFE 2022), the campaign was participated in by the Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippine, Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Movement for Free Elections, Philippine Coast Guard, the, religious sector and community Leaders.
The event was highlighted with the lighting of candles, pinning of SAFE pin, signing of covenant of peace and releasing of white doves. All of these symbolize community solidarity that aims to restore the trust and credibility in the electoral process and to help ensure a secure, accurate, fair and free elections.
Provincial election supervisor Atty. Fernando F. Cot-om, the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Enrico Gil C. Ileto, Namfrel chair Catalina Jocson, PPCRV-NE chair Rev. Fr. Aldrin Domingo, and Neva Ecija police director Col. Jess Mendez delivered solidarity messages.
“As we face this ever-challenging period in our nation’s history, we are once again called for to embody the highest degree of dedication to duty as well as of excellence and integrity,” Mendez said.
“All of us here are game-changers in our pursuit for a safe, accurate, free and clean 2022 elections. Therefore, we should never allow nor tolerate any form of political violence and malpractice in our midst,” he added as he promised that their ranks will stay faithful and ready to implement a safe and peaceful election.
The ceremony was concluded with the benediction bestowed by the different religious leaders and the releasing of white doves while singing Pilipinas Kong Mahal.
