BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Members of two local political groups yesterday participated in the signing of a peace covenant to ensure peaceful and orderly elections in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, initiated by the Philippine National Police and Commission on Elections.
Mayoralty aspirants Javier “Javi” Lopez Benitez and Jerry Jover led their respective groups in signing the peace covenant at Don Alejandro Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center in Victorias City.
They were also joined by independent candidates.
The peace covenant was jointly initiated by the city police station under the leadership of PLt.Col. Joseph Fajardo and Election Officer Atty. Fatima Aspan, witnessed by representatives of the Philippine Army, Department of Interior and Local Government, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and religious groups, among other sectoral groups.
The peace covenant ensures that local candidates adhere to election laws, by not resorting to the use of the 3Gs, such as guns, gold or money, and goons, that usually lead to political violence.
Benitez is the son of former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, while Jover is the incumbent vice mayor of Victorias City.
Fajardo said that the activity was initiated to ensure that the incumbent and aspiring candidates will adhere to the COMELEC guidelines and protocols for a peaceful and honest election in Victorias City.
He also solicited the help of the public in making the elections peace and orderly. PMaj. Joy Ellaga, deputy police chief, led the recital of covenant pledge, while Atty. Aspan briefed the candidates on Comelec guidelines and protocols in the conduct of elections.
Other city and municipal police stations in Negros Occidental are expected to hold similar activities in the next few weeks, with the encouragement of the Comelec.*
