Saturday, April 14, 2007 Bets in 10 areas sign peace agreement By Nicolas C. Delfin
LOCAL candidates from 10 localities in Negros Occidental have committed to avoid committing violence this coming May elections.
This was after they signed peace pacts initiated by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Noppo), aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible elections and hopes to raise the level of campaign in addressing issues and platforms.
The bets who signed the pacts were were those in Isabela, Binalbagan, La Castellana, E.B. Magalona, Hinigaran, Candoni, Pontevedra, San Carlos, Escalante and Bago.
In Pulupandan, considered to be one of the "hottest" areas in Negros Occidental in the upcoming elections, bets there will sign a peace covenant on April 17, said Noppo director Rosendo Franco.
Franco explained the reset of the signing (originally scheduled on April 13) was due to the unavailability of most of the candidates on the 13th.
"We have invited all parties including religious groups as well as local officials of the town. But since most of the candidates were not available, we decided to reset the signing in Pulupandan," he said, adding that this has nothing to do with the superstitions that accompany Friday the 13th.
Franco added the peace covenant was intended for the police to have a basis in case candidates committed a violation.
