Candidates in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Sulu have committed to promoting honest, peaceful, and orderly elections on May 12 by signing a peace covenant during a forum organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) over the weekend.
“The manifestation of their shared commitment was reinforced by the signing of a peace covenant, where candidates pledged to uphold non-violence, respect the democratic process, and engage in fair and transparent elections,” said Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, commander of the Area Police Command in Western Mindanao and head of the Special Task Force (STF) BARMM.
The covenant signing was held in Zamboanga City following a forum that brought together political aspirants from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as officials from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commission on Elections (Comelec), and other stakeholders including members of the Bless Our Cops Movement.
Banac highlighted the importance of cooperation between political leaders and security forces, noting that the activity underscored the role of prayer, collaboration, and unity in ensuring peaceful elections.
He said the candidates’ forum allowed participants to discuss their platforms and reinforce their collective responsibility to uphold peace during the campaign and election period.
Meanwhile, security forces have been placed on high alert following the Comelec’s decision to place Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte under its control due to recent election-related violence. This includes the March 26 killing of provincial election supervisor lawyer Bai Maceda Lidasan-Abo and her husband in Barangay Makir.
Banac reported to PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil that STF BARMM personnel and resources are in the highest state of operational readiness. He assured that PNP units, in close coordination with the AFP and Coast Guard, are prepared to secure the upcoming elections, particularly in areas under Comelec control.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the safety of all voters and candidates,” Banac said.