Some 200 individuals including local candidates for the May 9 polls participated in a unity walk here on Thursday to signify their desire to make the election period safe, peaceful and orderly.

Coinciding with the event was the signing of a peace covenant and a manifesto declaring the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata.

The Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, religious sectors, and local Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials led the three-in-one event which aimed to promote peace and order in the province, particularly in the coming elections.

Col. Julio S. Lizardo, provincial director of APPO, thanked the participants, noting that their participation signified their sincere desire and hope for secure, accurate, free, and fair elections (S.A.F.E).

“This event is similar to a blood contract, which requires parties to respect the agreement regardless of the circumstances. Further, by signing the covenant, candidates agree to refrain from any actions that could threaten the ballot’s sanctity; to promote a safe, clean, healthy, and wholesome environment during the campaign time; to respect life, and to follow the majority’s decision and all duly-constituted authorities. After all, we only have one intention and that is to serve our people. That doesn’t necessitate violence,” Lizardo said during the event.

“It is high time to condemn the presence and criminal acts of CTGs in the province as they are potential threats to the peaceful and orderly conduct of May 2022 national and local elections,” he added.

He also urged all candidates to report the rebels’ presence without delay in case they will attempt to ask for money as safe campaign pass.

“Let us be mindful that giving them any support in furtherance of their criminal acts is punishable under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Let us all take the road of peace in order to realize our common and noble goals for our beloved country and people,” Lizardo said.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, expressed his full support to all concerned agencies to ensure safe and peaceful elections.

“We have two main tasks these national and local elections. One is to vote our right of suffrage and to ensure orderly and peaceful elections. That is why we are conducting many checkpoints, patrols, security operations in coordination with PNP and Philippine Coast Guard,” Rubio said.

He also lauded the support of all the political aspirants, people’s organizations, concerned agencies, stakeholders, and media practitioners for signing the manifesto condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Comelec provincial election supervisor Chris Ian M. Silva thanked the participants from the private sector for their efforts in ensuring peaceful and orderly polls.

“Today is just the start of daily activities and I am happy and thankful that we will be working towards the same goal. Thank you everyone for your time and efforts. Rest assured that my office is fully competent in our multi-sectoral push for fair, clean, and peaceful elections,” Silva said. (PNA)