San Carlos City candidates vying for various local government positions gathered for a Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing Feb. 26, at the Leon B. Yu Complex in Barangay 2.
Officials of the Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard San Carlos City, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, faith-based groups, and other community stakeholders also joined the event.
Election officer IV, Atty. Gabrielle Buena, said the event represented a shared commitment to conducting the May 12 elections in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and respect.
He urged candidates to reflect on their responsibilities and conduct their election campaigns with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Buena also encouraged them to read, understand, and adhere to the policies set by the Comelec, including Resolution 11086, which outlines the implementing rules of Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, and Comelec Resolution 11104, or the policy against vote-buying and selling, and abuse of state resources.
She also reminded candidates, stakeholders, and voters of their responsibility to ensure clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections, the city said in a press release Feb. 27.
DILG Negros Island Region Cluster I head, LGOO VII Evelyn Vista, stressed that leaders are entrusted with the effective management of resources and the general welfare of the people.
She urged candidates to do away with harassment, coercion, or terrorism that could compromise the electoral process.
Vista also called for vigilance against external forces that may attempt to sabotage the midterm elections.
P/Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, deputy provincial director for Administration of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, assured that as the 2025 midterm elections approach, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to maintain peace and order.
In addition to their regular crime prevention and public safety duties, proactive measures are implemented to ensure a smooth electoral process, he added.
San Carlos police chief, Lt. Col. Basman Macarangal Jr., meanwhile, said the city is fortunate to have minimal opposition for most of major positions, as well as no significant issues that could threaten the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections.
He also encouraged stakeholders to remain united in protecting the people’s right to vote freely and fairly, defending democracy, and upholding justice. ||
