Army commits anew to peaceful, orderly May 9 polls

CATBALOGAN CITY, April 13 (PNA) –- The Philippine Army in Samar province reiterated their stand to stay non-partisan this election season while ensuring peaceful and orderly polls in remote communities.

Col. Perfecto Rimando, the Army’s 801st brigade commander based in Hinabangan, Samar said that they recently initiated a peace covenant among candidates in the province as part of soldier’s effort for clean and honest elections.

“Being your Army in Samar province, we will do our mandated task for this political exercise to ensure orderly and peaceful elections. We will abide all the regulations set forth by Commission on Elections as a deputized law enforcement agency,” Rimando said.

The army official told candidates during the signing of peace covenant on Monday that soldiers will remain apolitical and committed to ensure the safety of candidates and help civilians freely exercise their political rights.

“We are here to protect the voting public so that they will cast their votes without intimidation on May 9, 2016,” Rimando added.

The Army have been stepping up their watch against rebels and private armies, whose strength may be used by politicians to threat voters.

The Army-initiated peace covenant signing is backed Comelec, Calbayog Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.

Samar is the only province in Eastern Visayas that is under the election watchlist area of the poll body.

Running for top provincial position are incumbent Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos who is seeking re-election for third term under Nacionalista Party.

Her opponent is former military intelligence officer Emil Soza of the ruling Liberal Party.

Both candidates were present at the peace covenant signing. This is the first time that they were seen together in a same event since they filed their candidacy.

Other candidates who attended the peace covenant signing were Vice-Governor Stephen James Tan, younger brother of Gov. Tan and their mother, Samar 2nd district representative Milagrosa Tan.

Congressional bets in the 1st district Edgar Sarmiento and Calbayog City Councilor Raymund Uy were also present during the peace pact signing

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez urged the military and police to be the guardian of peace, adheres allegiance to flag and people and defend the life of the citizenry.

“Credible election will create a credible government,” Abarquez added. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ROEL T AMAZONA/EGR