BaSulTa candidates forge pact for peaceful elections

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Candidates from the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) signed on Saturday an Integrity Pledge initiated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The candidates seeking different elective posts vowed to fully respect the laws and democratic process that would redound to the conduct of honest, peaceful, and orderly national and local elections on May 9.

The signing of the Integrity Pledge, held at the Basilan State College Amphitheater, was witnessed by Comelec Chairperson Saidamen Balt Pangarungan, Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, and other top poll body, police, and military officials.

“As we forged this covenant of peace, we pledge to abhor violence to have a peaceful election,” Pangarungan told the candidates.

Pangarungan noted that the last elections in BaSulTa areas showed improvement as there was less violence reported compared to the previous ones. However, he did not give any figures.

“I pray to Allah (God) that the situation will further improve this coming May 9 elections,” he added.

He urged the candidates to respect the people’s votes and the sanctity of the ballot.

“We categorically declare that our campaign shall fully respect the will