4 candidates shun peace pact signing

CEBU, Philippines – At least four local candidates in San Fernando and City of Naga yesterday snubbed the signing of a peace covenant organized by the local police to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Mayoralty candidate and incumbent San Fernando Vice Mayor Miko Canoy did not show up during the covenant signing held in Barangay Poblacion.

Chief Inspector Richard Gadingan, chief of San Fernando Police Station, said all candidates were given invitation since last week. Canoy’s runningmate, Fralz Sabalones, and the rest of the candidates in his ticket were all present during the covenant signing.

Sabalones said he did not know why Canoy failed to make it when they have agreed to participate in the covenant.

Canoy’s opponent, Lakambini ‘Neneth” Reluya, and her team was present in the signing.

“Importante gyud ang peace covenant kay it speaks what is inside your heart,” Reluya said.

Election officer Rudy Gilos reminded all candidates to observe all the election rules and regulations. Gilos supervised the covenant signing together with the police officials.

In the City of Naga, all candidates were present except for three candidates for councilor under mayoralty candidate Vinci del Mar. The covenant signing was held at the St. Francis of Assissi Church in Barangay Poblacion.

The activity was witnessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Elections. It was also organized by the local police.

Mayoralty candidate Kristine Chiong, daughter of incumbent mayor Valdemar Chiong, said she is hopeful that the upcoming elections in the city will still be peaceful.

“I hope nga ang election will be peaceful, credible and honest,” Kristine said.

At least 50 peace covenants initiated by the police have already been signed in the entire region.

The Police Regional Office-7 reported that 44 covenants have signed in Cebu, five in Bohol, and one in Mandaue City.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, deputy regional director for operations, said the covenant may not be legally binding but it shows the candidates commitment to peaceful conduct of the elections.

“Ila unta’ng isil-sil sa ila’ng alimpatakan nga duna silay pinirmahan isip ila’ng saad sa ila’ng katawhan nga ila’ng alagaran,” Lawas said.

“Hangyo ra man ni sa ilaha kung mosanong ba sila,” Lawas added.

Lawas said that aside from peace covenant signing, candidates in at least 20 areas in the region have voluntarily submitted their firearms for muzzle taping.

Among them was Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak who deposited at least two of his licensed firearms for safekeeping.— /FPL (FREEMAN)