ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some 600 individuals, including local candidates, have joined the unity walk and peace covenant signing Thursday in Lamitan City, Basilan.
The activity, which was initiated by Maj. Nurhaib Bungkac, Lamitan police chief, is in support of the efforts at making the May 9 polls safe, peaceful, and orderly.
The unity walk started around 8:30 a.m. from Datu Kalun Park downtown to the city coliseum followed by a simple program.
The signing of the peace covenant and manifesto by local candidates and other stakeholders for the 2022 National and Local Elections Integrity Pledge and Pledge of Commitment highlighted the unity walk.
“The event was similar to a blood compact, which requires parties to respect the agreement regardless of the circumstances,” Bungkac said in a statement.
The covenant signing indicated that candidates agreed to refrain from any actions that could threaten the ballot's sanctity; to promote a safe, clean, healthy, and wholesome environment during the campaign time; to respect life, and to follow the majority's decision and all duly-constituted authorities.
Col. Pedro Martirez Jr., Basilan police director, thanked the participants, stressing that their participation demonstrated their sincere desire and hope for secure, accurate, free, and fair elections.
The city of Lamitan is one of the four “red code” or areas of grave concern in Basilan province based on the announcement Thursday of Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director.
The other three areas of grave concern are the towns of Al-Barka, Sumisip, and Ungkaya Pukan.
However, lawyer Vidzfar Julie, Basilan election supervisor, said Lamitan City should not be tagged as a “red code” area.
“We will try to correct that when we meet next week,” Julie said in a phone interview.
He said there are other towns like Akbar, Sumisip, and Tuburan that should be placed under the red code but not Lamitan City.
Two politicians are vying for the mayoral post in Lamitan City come May 9, 2022 national and local elections.
They are Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay and former Basilan Vice Governor Alrasheed Sakkalahul. (PNA)
