Candidates sign peace covenant

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu province candidates have signed a peace covenant at the Cebu Province Police Office (CPPO) yesterday.

Govenor Hilario Davide III, who is seeking reelection along with Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, led incumbent officials who signified their commitment towards a peaceful May 9 elections.

Others who signed the document were first district Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. (Alayon) and opponents Antonio Canoy (Nacionalista People’s Coalition), and Michael Nuñez (PDP-LABAN); and Grecilda Sanchez (Liberal Party), who is running for the third district representative seat; Celestino Martinez Jr., who is challenging fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes (LP) and Paulus Mariae Cañete (One Cebu), who are vying for the sixth district representative seat; Pablo John Garcia (One Cebu), who is eyeing the seventh district representative seat; independent gubernatorial candidate Nonito Nagnanao; vice gubernatorial candidates Nerissa Ruiz (One Cebu) and Juanito Montenegro were  also present during the signing of the peace covenant.

Salimbangon did not show up but he allegedly promised to catch up and likewise sign the document.

“We shall do these in assurance that they are firm in their commitment to remain politically neutral before, during and after the elections.” said Senior Superintendent Clifford Gairanod, CPPO director, in a message delivered prior to the actual signing.

He said they are always ready to apply the full force of the law against those who are planning to disturb the electoral process.

He said they have already put in place appropriate measures to respond to any security threats that may hamper the conduct of fair, free, and honest elections.

Provincial Comelec Supervisor Eliseo Labaria assured that the Philippine Natioal Police officers and men would do their best to safeguard elections day.

“Each candidate has a goal, and that is to win the election. Our goal is to ensure that all these candidates win the elections fairly safely…. that the results will be acceptable” Labaria said.

The peace covenant was witnessed by the Comelec-7 director Jose Nick Mendros; Labaria; CIDG-Cebu’s Jerome Gonzales; Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Christopher Estrell from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bishop Dennis Villarojo; and Gairanod.

“The peace covenant is designed for them. It is symbolic. It’s up to the candidates to follow. Kung sasabihin na nga’ng masusunod, it started with themselves.” said Attorney Jose Nick Mendros.

Davide said he signed the peace covenant to have a free, honest, safe and peaceful election.

For his part, Garcia said he appeared before CPPO because Gairanod invited him He is helpful that the PNP will remain neutral comes May 9.

Garcia said the One Cebu party goes for honest, peaceful and non-violent election, too.

His brother Winston, who is challenging Davide, failed to show up allegedly because of “conflict of schedule.” —(FREEMAN)