By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Aspirants and government agencies in Negros Occidental signed a peace covenant on Thursday, pledging a commitment to a peaceful, honest, and orderly election on May 12.
Eleven of the province’s 41 candidates signed the agreement during a ceremony organized by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).
Among those present were legislative district aspirants Victorias Mayor Javier Benitez (third district), Lea Delfinado (fourth district), and incumbent fifth district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo; gubernatorial aspirant Ferdinand Diego; vice gubernatorial aspirant Rosemarie Dreyfus; and provincial board member hopefuls Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz (represented by his brother, Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe Dela Cruz) in the first district, Sixto Guanzon Jr. and Arthur Christopher Marañon in the second district, Hope Marey Sazon in the third district, Patricia Paula Valderrama, Leo Carlo Delfinado, and Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo in the fourth district, and Aly Tongson Jr. in the fifth district.
Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, NOCPPO director, emphasized the importance of peace and integrity in the electoral process.
“The peace covenant symbolizes collaboration among all stakeholders, signifying our united stand against electoral violence and misconduct,” he said, adding that every candidate and supporter plays a role in fostering a safe and respectful campaign environment.
De Chavez urged aspirants and their supporters to uphold honesty, engage in healthy discourse, and prioritize the community’s well-being.
“Let this be a clarion call for integrity and respect,” he said.
He also called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that electoral regulations are upheld and that every voice is heard, emphasizing that transparency and fairness are essential to building public trust.
Despite concerns over a potential Kanlaon Volcano eruption, De Chavez assured that the provincial police remain committed to ensuring a secure electoral process.
“Our duty is to provide security so that despite any challenges, the election remains our priority,” he said.
Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial election supervisor, echoed the commitment to a peaceful election, stating that democracy depends on a fair and intimidation-free voting process.
“This is a time for us to express our choices, shape the future of our community, and exercise our right to self-governance,” he said.
He also urged candidates to campaign with integrity, respect the election outcome, and reject violence and intimidation.
Col. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, highlighted that a successful election signals political stability.
“If we have political stability and security, we will attract investors, development, and tourism,” he said, vowing that the Army will safeguard voters, the community, and election personnel.
Cmdr. Jan Terazona, head of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Northern Negros Occidental, assured that the PCG will oversee the smooth transport of election paraphernalia and protect aspirants and the community.
“We will safeguard strategic locations, especially islands and coastal barangays, against potential threats,” he said.
Local Government Operations Officer VII Maria Fatima Daiz, representing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Negros Occidental, underscored the agency’s goal of upholding election integrity.
She encouraged law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety without intimidating voters.
“The election is a manifestation that the voting process is respected and every vote is safe,” she said.
Daiz also urged the public to report any election-related concerns or incidents to authorities.
The event concluded with the release of white balloons, symbolizing the collective goal of a fair and orderly election.
“This serves as a reminder of our commitment to peace, unity, and democracy,” the organizers said.
