9 local candidates, no-show at peace covenant signing

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
February 23, 2016

ISABEL, Leyte – Nine local candidates were absent during the signing of peace covenant held at the Function Hall of Holy Child Parish here on Monday, February 22, 2016.

The figure excludes former Mayor Saturnino Medina Jr. whose non-appearance was considered by Election Officer Virgilio Apostol and other candidates upon sending Allan Borinaga, his secretary as proxy.

The nine absentees were candidates for Sangguniang Bayan posts namely: Allan Indolos, Larry Lladoc, Abelardo Salamat, Charlyn Mondigo, Deborah Bertulfo, Eusebio Otadoy Jr, Orlando Tan, Rey Ralph Gorres Jr, and Pelagio Galban.

Apostol quoted that the candidates’ attendance to the ceremony is voluntary and that no-show candidates will not be levied.

Organized by the local Commissions on Elections (COMELEC) and Isabel Municipal Police Station, the signing of peace covenant aims to promote unity and ensure the conduct of Secure and Fair Election (SAFE) 2016.

Witnessing the covenant signing were Rev. Fr. Elrico Fabiolas, Pastor of the Holy Child Parish, Dr. Mario Suson, Principal of Isabel Central School, Police Chief Inspector Randy Jungco, the Chief of Police and Colonel Francisco Mendoza Jr, Commander of Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.

Col. Mendoza remarked that the military under his brigade with the PNP will do its part to make the May 9 polls Secure and Fair, though he said a lot about the election rests on the candidates themselves.

“Malaking bagay po ang magiging partisipasyon ng mga candidates in ensuring that the election will be honest, orderly and peaceful”, Col. Mendoza said.

As of press time, 14 municipalities in Leyte had already conducted the ceremonial signing of peace covenant.