ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) led the launching yesterday of a multi-sectoral drive to ensure a clean, orderly, peaceful, and credible May 9, 2022 elections.
“This is a moment to celebrate doing what is right and what is necessary…and it shows our enthusiasm and our commitment,” said Regional Director Wilfred Jay Balisado of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The campaign is called KASIMBAYANAN – “Kapulungan ng inyong Pulis, ng inyong Sundalo, ng inyong Bantay Dagat, ng Comelec at lahat ng Lingkod Bayan kasama ang Simbahan at Pamayanan.”
KASIMBAYANAN was first launched at the national level on Feb. 3 at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in support to the government’s initiatives to hold secure, accurate, free, and fair national and local elections (SAFE NLE).
It aimed to preserve and protect the integrity of the upcoming national and local elections through interfaith prayers and provide a venue to gather stakeholders for their pledge of commitment and collaborative effort for a non-partisan and nonviolent election.
PRO-6 information officer Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, in a follow-up interview, said a similar event is expected to be conducted in provincial police offices and municipal police stations after the regional activity.
During the regional launching, participants joined in the lighting of the SAFE candles, pinning of the SAFE 2022 pin, and the manifesto signing of the peace covenant to show their solidarity in restoring the trust in the electoral process and ensure a transparent, honest, and peaceful election, a press statement from the PRO6 said.
It culminated with blessings from participating religious leaders and releasing of white doves symbolizing hope and peace.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Flynn E. Dongbo, in his message, reiterated the commitment of the police for secure, accurate, and fair 2022 elections.
“I am assured that we can attain an honest, and crime-free election, if we will work as one and in unity, we will achieve this goal,” he said.
The ceremonial launching was also participated by heads of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and religious and community leaders. (PNA)
