Hundreds join covenant run for clean polls

AT LEAST 200 police and military personnel joined some Catholic priests, Muslim Imams and other religious group leaders in a “covenant run” Tuesday for clean and orderly elections in May.

Dubbed “Takbo ng Pinagsamang Simbahan, Sandatahang Lakas at Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas para sa Malinis, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan 2010,” the activity brought together representatives from various sectors and stakeholders as they signed a covenant calling for vigilance and involvement to ensure clean and honest elections.

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“This noble purpose is the initiative of religious leaders to showcase the unity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and religious group in ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” said Chief Superintendent Danilo Empedrad, regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO) in Northern Mindanao.

Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro spearheaded the participation of the religious congregation in the unity run.

Ledesma said the covenant run is expected to draw public support from other sectors and stakeholders in civil society, citing that the church is serious in promoting clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful election.

The unity run kicked off at the Camp Evangelista Grandstand around 4:30 a.m. and ended at the grandstand of Camp Alagar.