Peaceful, violence-free polls vowed

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte again vowed peaceful and clean elections under his administration.

“Again, it is my commitment to the nation that the elections will be peaceful and free from violence, intimidation of voters.

Wag ninyo gawin iyan

(Do not do that) because I would still be here to oversee the elections,” Duterte said during his prerecorded Talk to the People aired on Monday night.

He earlier said he will not allow any election-related violence to occur during the remaining months of his administration.

Duterte also warned against violent electioneering.

“Do not do it kasi I will see to it na itong eleksyon na ito ay malinis at walang dayaan, walang patayan sa panahon ko. Maghanap kayo ng ibang presidente. Huwag ninyong gawin sa akin kasi pupuntahan talaga kita (Do not do it because I will see to it that this election is clean and without fraud. No killings during my time. Don’t do it to me because I will come for you),” he said, noting politicians “should never use violence to force the people to elect them.”

Duterte also promised to protect the sanctity of the people’s votes.

“I have a sacred oath, and that sacred oath is not only for friends or enemies but for all Filipinos. Kaya pagdating sa election, tingin ko tabla lahat (that’s why when it comes to the election, everything should be even),” he said

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said they have already assured the neutrality of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during elections.

Based o. DILG memorandum dated March 24, PNP personnel are not allowed to act as bodyguards of political candidates.

Police officers will be deployed in identified election hotspots to maintain peace and order.

The PNP earlier recommended more or less 100 municipalities and 14 cities nationwide be placed under the red category for the May 9 elections. ■