By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Police Provincial Director P/Col. Rainier Dechavez said he expects a peaceful 2025 midterm election in Negros Occidental.
He urged candidates in the province to follow the law and ensure an orderly, honest, and peaceful election.
Dechavez led the Interfaith and Peace Covenant Signing in La Castellana on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
“Negros Occidental is peaceful, and we have no election areas of concern. That is the current situation,” Dechavez told reporters.
He said no areas have been identified as election concerns since the campaign period has not yet started.
The police are still validating candidates and assessing the status of their respective towns.
“In fact, we have assigned police officers as liaison officers in each area so candidates can raise concerns with them, and we will relay these to the Commission on Elections,” he said.
Dechavez called on all candidates to maintain an honest, orderly, and peaceful election.
“We are urging all candidates in Negros Occidental to follow the law and uphold peace,” he said.
He reiterated his confidence that the May elections will be peaceful.
Incumbent La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan led the signing of the Peace Covenant.
Mangilimutan, who is on her last term, is running for vice mayor alongside her younger brother, incumbent Councilor Añejo Nicor, who is running for mayor.
She said elections in La Castellana have always been peaceful.
