Tarlac City poll bets hold unity walk, sign peace pact

Candidates for local posts in Tarlac City join the unity walk and peace covenant signing on Monday, Feb. 7. | PHOTO: Tarlac Police Provincial Office

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — Candidates for local positions in Tarlac City on Monday (Feb. 7) participated in a unity walk and signing of a peace covenant for fair and peaceful 2022 elections.

The activity was a joint effort of the local offices and commands of Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Elections, Department of the Interior and Local Government, religious groups, and non-government organizations to ensure violence-free and honest elections on May 9.

Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg and other religious leaders, acting police chief Lt. Col. Jerrold Jake Manguerra, military, and several government officials attended the activity held at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Reelectionist Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles (Nationalist People’s Coalition or NPC) and his running mate, Vice Mayor Genaro Mendoza, both unopposed in the coming elections, led the signing of the peace covenant, along with the candidates for the city council. At least 20 individuals are vying for the 10-seat city council.

Late last month, acting Tarlac provincial police director Col. Erwin Sanque and Bishop Macaraeg led another unity walk and peace covenant signing for the province and congress posts at the capitol ground.

Gov. Susan Yap (NPC) and other candidates participated in the event. Yap is unopposed while his running mate, Vice Gov. Carlito David, is being challenged by Marcelino Aganon Jr (Promdi).

Two to three candidates are vying for each of the three congressional district posts in Tarlac.

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