The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) appealed on Wednesday to the candidates of the upcoming May 8 Puerto Princesa recall elections to set aside violence.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala pleaded to the candidates to avoid any form of violence when the recall election proper starts.
“We (AFP) appeal to them to set aside violence,” Kakilala said.
Kakilala emphasized the importance of respecting the decisions of the people.
“During the election proper, let the people decide who they think is the right leader for Puerto Princesa,” he said. “Let the voice of the voters prevail on who they want to become their leader.”
Asked about the past scenarios during elections in the city and the possibility of a riot, Kakilala said: “It will be peaceful. They are a peaceful city. Adequate forces will be assigned there.”
He added the police would be in the area at the same time to assist the Commission on Elections. “Puerto Princesa is just one city … it’s easier to control,” he said.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang had directed the Western Command to support the Comelec and the Philippine National Police in holding an honest, orderly and peaceful election.
Last year the Supreme Court paved the way for the conduct of a recall election in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, after it dismissed the petition filed by its mayor, Lucilo Bayron. Ed Glorious Cabading