ALL candidates for the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) signed a peace covenant as they pledged their commitment to a peaceful campaign and election on October 30.

The peace covenant signing was the highlight of the unity walk participated by all candidates and the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Juvegleen Escandor on Baroy, Lanao del Norte on Saturday, September 30.

All the candidates vowed to abstain from violence, intimidation and any form of election-related misconduct when they signed the peace covenant.

The Unity Walk was conducted to foster a sense of unity, solidarity, and mobilization among the candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders, Escandor said in a statement Monday, October 2.

In his message during the activity, Escandor emphasized the military's dedication to ensuring democratic processes, safeguarding election integrity in Lanao del Norte, and maintaining law and order to create a safe atmosphere for all participants in the BSKE through collaboration with local government units.

A candidates’ briefing was also held aside from unity walk and peace covenant signing.

Troops from the 53rd Mechanized Infantry Company led by First Lieutenant Bernardo Pagdato played a vital role in ensuring the security and smooth conduct of the event, further emphasizing their dedication to serving and protecting the people in the community.

The unity walk and peace covenant signing was also attended by officials of the Commission on Elections, municipal government of Baroy, police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Municipal Local Government Office, and the Association of Barangay Council president.

Meanwhile, the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is gearing up to ensure peace, security and stability in the province in order to create a safe and conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights with election day approaching. (SunStar Zamboanga)