As a show of full support for a safe, peaceful and honest May 2019 mid-term election, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO), Commission on Elections (COMELEC) , AFP 48 IB and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) spearheaded the unity walk, interfaith prayer rally and peace covenant.
Bulacan local officials and other candidates participated in the peace covenant signing held at the historical Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos on Friday morning.
The activity started with the early morning unity walk from Paseo Del Congreso to Barasoain Church, followed by the Interfaith prayer, a Holy Mass and ended with the signing of peace covenant by the candidates in Bulacan.
Candidates from different political parties led by gubernatorial candidates Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando (NUP), Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad of PDP Laban Party and Ernest D. Balite (Independent), religious, and civic groups, private and government agencies and media participated in the event.
Police Colonel Chito Bersaluna, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office said, “as we draw nearer to the May 2019 polls and the local campaigning is going to start next week, it is very important to maintain peace in our communities.”
“We are conducting this activity because we want to have a peaceful and orderly election in May 2019,” Bersaluna added.
Atty Elmo T. Duque, Asst. Regional Election Director said the presence of the candidates and other stakeholders in today’s activity show their sincere commitment to peaceful elections.
“The unity walk, Interfaith prayer rally and peace covenant signing is an agreement for a honest and peaceful election this coming May, ” Atty. Duque explained.
For her part, Atty. Mona Ann T. Aldana Campos, provincial election supervisor, led the integrity pledge that encourages the aspiring candidates to support the conduct of an honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections (HOPE).
Campos said the Comelec believes that election is not only the work of one sector. “It needs other groups of people for us to attain our main objective,” he added.
He added in attaining its objective, it needs the active support and involvement of line agencies of the government such as the Philippine National Police, Armed Fprces of the Philippines, Department of Education, PPCRV, other non-government organization, government agencies, the candidates, and the electorates.
Present during the event were Gov. Wilhelmino-Sy-Alvarado and his opponent Board Member Anjo Mendoza, Congressman Jonathan Sy-Alvarado his opponent Sander Tantoco for Bulacan 1st District and some candidates for the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.
The Comelec, Bulacan PNP, AFP and PPCRV expect candidates to fulfill their pledges and contribute in the the attainment of peaceful and orderly elections.