ANTIQUE – For the successful conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this Oct. 30, the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) held a multi-sectoral peace assembly Monday morning at the APPO covered gym in San Jose de Buenavista town.
Led by APPO officer-in-charge Colonel Ricardo Jomuad Jr., the assembly was attended by representatives of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Maritime Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Coast Guard, media, and candidates.
Jomuad Jr. said the integrity of the BSKE is both a responsibility and the result of a team effort among community members and stakeholders.
Jomuad also sought the candidates’ cooperation for an honest and fair election in Antique.
Barbaza town Election Officer Ofelia B. Miciano, representative of Antique Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Salud Milagros Villanueva, said the activity would strengthen unity and collaboration.
The assembly kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a multi-sectoral commitment pledge, the release of doves, an ecumenical prayer, and the blessing of election paraphernalia and resources.
The assembly highlighted the signing of the statement of commitment by the participants. The commitment reads:
“We, as representatives of different government agencies and sectors of the community, commit to strengthening multipartite collaborations to ensure peace and the preservation of democracy during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in 2023,”
It added: “We willingly and fervently support the Philippine National Police, its policies, programs and advocacies, as they aspire for a secure, accurate, free, and fair BSKE towards reinforcing a strong foundation of democracy. We firmly believe that the barangay, the smallest political unit deeply rooted in Filipino history, identity, and governance, is a fundamental pillar of Philippine democracy. This political unit has continually proven its social, cultural, and economic significance to Filipino society, as well as being the prime movers and partners of national and local government administrations in achieving Filipino dreams and aspirations as a nation. For this, we commit our precious lives, unwavering dedication, time, expertise and invaluable resources.”
By signing the commitment, candidates and stakeholders “vehemently denounce all forms of lawlessness and acts that undermine the integrity of this election and we will champion and uphold the values of integrity, honesty, fairness, justice, and prudence for the success of the BSKE 2023.”/PN