Poll bets in 3 Tarlac towns sign peace covenants

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – Candidates for local positions in Tarlac’s three southern towns signed on Friday peace covenants for this year’s elections in separate ceremonies brokered by religious leaders, the police and the military for a “safe, accurate, free and fair elections” in the province.

Candidates running for the mayoralty, vice mayoralty and municipal council posts attended the signing ceremonies and vowed not to resort to violence, intimidation and uphold a free, fair and honest campaign and election.

In Bamban town, the event was held at the Sto. Niño Parish church and led by acting police chief Major Edward Castulo, Reverend Father Pablo Mungcal and Army Captain Carlo Tabaculde.

In Capas town, police officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Fernandez and Rev. Fr. Melvin Castro led the signing of the covenant at the Our Lady of Sorrows parish church.

In Concepcion, the activity was led by police officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Reynold Macabitas, Rev. Fr. O’neal Manucum Sanchez and Army First Lieutenant Jeffrey Mongato.

Officials from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Department of Interior and Local Government, and other religious leaders also attended all three separate events.

Police Colonel Erwin Sanque, acting Tarlac police chief, said earlier that unity walks and signing of peace covenants were being conducted in different parts of the province.

On January 24, Sanque and Tarlac Catholic Bishop Enrique Macaraeg led the peace covenant signing between candidates for governor, vice governor, provincial board and congressional posts at the capitol ground in Tarlac City.

During past elections, only minor incidents of supporters of aspirants were recorded in Tarlac.

EDV