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
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.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=875868
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