Photo courtesy of Richard G. Falcatan
Basilan police called on candidates, government agencies and residents to work together to keep the province peaceful ahead of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept. 14.
Acting Basilan police director Col. Edison Dumangas issued the appeal during a provincial peace caravan and covenant signing held at the Lamitan City Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Dumangas said election security depended not only on law enforcement but also on the cooperation of communities across Basilan and the Bangsamoro region.
He urged political groups and public institutions to observe discipline, integrity and respect for voters throughout the campaign and election periods.
The covenant formalized the commitment of participating sectors to protect the electoral process and allow residents to cast their ballots freely and safely.
Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman also asked candidates from different parties to place the province’s interests above political rivalry once elected to the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Hataman stressed that voters must be allowed to decide without interference and warned against a repeat of irregular practices reported in previous elections.
The event was preceded by a unity walk led by provincial election supervisor Roberto Dela Peña from Barangay Maligaya to the Lamitan City Gymnasium.
