Peace covenant signing for SAFE 2016 kicks-off

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
February 19, 2016

DAGAMI, Leyte – Local candidates vowed to support the call for a Secure and Fair Election 2016 during the signing of peace covenant here Thursday morning, February 18, 2016.

In a ceremony held at St. Joseph Parish Church this town, seventeen candidates were reminded and urged to adhere to the rules during and after the May 2016 polls as Police Chief Inspector Eriprando Castila, the Chief of Police administered the recital of “Integrity Pledge”.

This move by the PNP and COMELEC was welcomed by the military quoting that the mere attendance of the candidates justifies their commitment to a peaceful elections as citizens exercise their right to suffrage.

As mandated by law, the military, police and COMELEC through established Joint Security Control Center (JSCC) is expected to perform its election duties.

Col. Francisco Mendoza Jr., Commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade stressed that soldiers will be deployed to conduct joint checkpoint operations and secure polling places within the region.

On Wednesday, February 17, the municipal police stations of Jaro and Palo all of Leyte province had also facilitated the peace covenant signing of local candidates.

The three municipalities to have conducted the ceremonial signing of peace covenant are all under the area of responsibility of the 19th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Bryan R. Albano, Public Information Officer of 19th Infantry Battalion averred that police counterparts in municipalities of Sta. Fe, Tolosa, Isabel, Pastrana, Alangalang, Leyte, Carigara, Babatngon and Tacloban City have already scheduled to conduct same ceremony next week.

“This is a clear cut manifestation on how much peace is wanted in this part of the region, and that peace is not just the business of the military, much so that of our stakeholders” Lt. Albano said.