The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday called on local candidates in Abra and across the Cordillera region to support efforts in ensuring peaceful, fair, and safe elections where voters can freely choose their leaders.
DILG-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director Araceli San Jose emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, communities, and electoral candidates to uphold the integrity of the upcoming elections.
“Our efforts in the government should be complemented by a whole-of-society approach. We need to work together to uphold the integrity of the elections and most importantly, maintain a peaceful environment for our voters,” San Jose said.
As the lead agency overseeing local governments and with direct supervision over the Philippine National Police (PNP), the DILG has committed to supporting initiatives that maintain public safety and peace, especially as election day draws near.
In response to recent security concerns, the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-CAR) deployed 100 additional police personnel to Abra to bolster checkpoint operations following a series of shooting and grenade-throwing incidents.
The Comelec also approved the immediate relief of the provincial police director due to unresolved violence and incidents in the area.
PRO-CAR Director Brig. Gen. David Peredo has since ordered intensified police visibility across the province to deter crime and prevent the illegal carrying of firearms.
“Lumalakas ang loob ng mga tao kapag may hawak na baril kaya kailangan paikutin natin ang mga pulis para maagapan, makita kapag may mga kahina-hinalang nakasukbit sa katawan,” Peredo said. “Kapag nakakakita din ang mga tao na may mga pulis na nag-iikot sa paligid, mas matatakot din ang criminal na gumawa ng masama.”
Peredo also shared that the Regional Peace and Order Council has requested the support of local government units (LGUs) in providing fuel for police vehicles to sustain continuous patrols and ensure a strong presence in communities.
The DILG and PNP urged the public and all political candidates to cooperate in keeping the elections peaceful and to refrain from actions that could contribute to a climate of fear or intimidation.