In a move to ensure peaceful and orderly elections on May 12, local candidates in Negros Occidental have been actively participating in peace covenant signings organized by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO). The initiative, which kicked off last week, saw candidates from five local government units (LGUs) pledge their commitment to fair and respectful campaigning.
The latest event took place on Sunday at the Moises Padilla town auditorium, where candidates, including Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and Vice Mayor Adrian Villaflor, who are set to compete for the mayoral position, signed the covenant. The ceremony was preceded by a unity walk and attended by officials from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Commission on Elections (Comelec), and various sectoral groups.
Similar covenant signing events were held earlier in the week at the Toboso Municipal Police Station on February 3, E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station on February 4, Bago Component City Police Station on February 5, and Sagay Component City Police Station on February 6.
Through these covenants, candidates have committed to uphold the constitution, adhere to election laws and Comelec regulations, focus their campaigns on platforms rather than personal attacks, and reject vote-buying, fraud, and intimidation. They also agreed to hold their campaign teams accountable and accept the election results with integrity and respect for the voters’ decision.
NOCPPO Director Col. Rainerio De Chavez emphasized the police’s dedication to maintaining peace during the elections, stating, “We assure the public that NOCPPO will exert all efforts to maintain a peaceful and orderly election.” On February 7, De Chavez met with Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria to discuss security plans, including the ongoing covenant signings, police involvement in election duties, and potential security issues in areas with a history of political unrest.