Dialogue between Bantayan Island bets set for Monday

Aside from the signing of a peace covenant of all political candidates of Bantayan Island, a dialogue between them will also be held on Monday.

The dialogue will be under the auspices of the Cebu Provincial Police Office and the Commission on Elections.

CPPO director S. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria told reporters that they are coordinating with the Comelec for the twin activities. He said the Comelec is the one inviting the local candidates and they expected that at least 100 candidates would sign the peace pact.

Expected to be present during the signing is Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Election) commander and police deputy regional director for operations S. Supt. Lani O-Nerez.

Among the non-government organizations that will join in the dialogue are the Cebu-Citizens'' Involvement and Maturation for People''s Empowerment and Liberation (C-CIMPEL), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL).

Regional police office director C. Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr., said last week, candidates in the first district in Negros Oriental signed a peace treaty. The town of La Libertad in that province was declared as areas of concern following an election-related incident last month.

Alarcio said the Bantayan Island dialogue would be an opportunity for rival candidates to meet in a friendly atmosphere.

Alarcio, however, clarified that the Cebu 4th district was not declared an immediate area of concerns. "Ang 4th district ay hindi pa immediate areas of concerns. In Region 7, walang immediate areas of concerns."

Valmoria said Bantayan Island, which comprise the towns of Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos, has not yet considered as immediate area of concerns, considering the reports of election-related violence during the past elections.

Police and Comelec officials believe that the dialogue will help promote an honest and peaceful election in the area.

The regional police and Comelec declared Bantayan Island an area of concern earlier this month when political tension started to erupt. - Norvie S. Misa/LPM